The federal government has introduced the Prime Minister (PM) Ramzan Relief Package 2026 to support low-income families during the holy month of Ramzan.
Officials say the scheme uses a digital CNIC-based verification system to send financial assistance directly to eligible households.
The aim is to reduce paperwork, avoid long queues and limit the role of middlemen.
The package was reviewed and approved during a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet.
The meeting was chaired remotely by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and attended by senior officials, including the Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety.
How much funding has been approved?
The Ministry of Poverty Alleviation requested Rs25bn for the programme.
According to the Finance Division, Rs19bn has already been allocated in the current fiscal year. The ECC approved the immediate release of this amount to begin payments. Additional funds will be released if needed.
Overall, the PM Ramzan Relief Package 2026 is valued at Rs39bn.
Out of the total amount, Rs10 billion is already with the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).
The remaining Rs29 billion will be arranged by the government through additional funds and budget changes.
The ECC also gave initial approval of Rs1bn for operational costs, subject to detailed review. Officials said unused funds would be returned under standard financial rules.
Who can apply?
According to government guidelines, applicants must:
- Be a valid CNIC holder
- Belong to a low-income or deserving household
- Not be an active taxpayer
- Not be a government employee
- Have data that matches official welfare records
Households already registered in social protection databases may find the process smoother, but final approval depends on official verification.
How to apply for the program?
The application process is fully digital and free of charge.
To apply:
- Send your CNIC number via SMS to 9999.
- Wait for a confirmation message from the official system.
- Receive an SMS informing you about your eligibility status.
The service is available on all major mobile networks.
Officials have advised people to use only the official 9999 service and avoid agents or third parties claiming to offer assistance.
How to receive the Rs13,000 payment?
Eligible families will be informed through SMS about how to collect the Rs13,000 assistance.
Payments are expected to be made through designated financial partners and existing social welfare channels, including BISP-linked systems.
Beneficiaries will need to follow the instructions provided in the confirmation message to withdraw the amount.
The government says the digital system is designed to ensure transparency and to send funds directly to those who qualify.
With rising food prices and economic pressure on many households, the government says the scheme is intended to ease some of the financial burden during Ramzan.
Officials have said the programme will be monitored closely to ensure proper use of funds and timely delivery of assistance.
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