The ECC has sanctioned the transfer of Rs19 billion for the Prime Minister’s Ramazan relief initiative.

The Economic Coordination Committee of Pakistan approved the immediate disbursement of Rs19 billion for the Ramazan assistance package announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday.

Earlier, on February 12, the prime minister unveiled a Rs38 billion relief package aimed at supporting over 12 million families — nearly 36 million people — through direct digital payments during Ramazan.

According to a statement shared by the Ministry of Finance Pakistan, the ECC meeting was chaired remotely by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.

The committee approved the “immediate release” of Rs19 billion to ensure timely financial assistance to vulnerable households. Officials said the remaining funds from the proposed Rs25 billion allocation would be released based on fiscal space availability.

The Ramazan Relief Package 2026 aims to deliver targeted financial aid to low-income households by utilizing National Socio-Economic Registry data to guarantee transparency and equitable beneficiary selection.

Authorities said funds will be transferred directly through banking and digital channels to ensure secure, efficient and dignified delivery.

During the meeting, the ECC also granted in-principle approval for Rs1 billion in operational expenses, directing authorities to submit a detailed cost breakdown to ensure financial transparency and compliance with rules.

Officials underscored that although the delivery of relief will be accelerated, stringent financial control will be upheld, and any unutilized monies will be returned in accordance with established protocols.