Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a meeting in Islamabad on Friday, has directed all relevant departments to prepare a more effective and beneficial package for the upcoming Ramadan compared to last year.

PM said financial support and social welfare of the poor and common man are amongst the government’s top priorities.

The prime minister gave special instructions that aid disbursement under the Ramadan package should be made through digital wallets to preserve the dignity and respect of the recipients. Disbursing aid through digital wallets will also serve as a milestone toward achieving a cashless economy.

According to the PMO, Shehbaz said all relevant ministries and departments should ensure that the coverage and inclusion of deserving beneficiaries in the aid disbursement are maximised.

He said a digital dashboard and an organised monitoring system should also be implemented for effective monitoring.

The premier praised all relevant departments and ministries for the transparency of last year’s Ramadan package, as highlighted in the report of a reputable audit firm.

He said the federal government has established a transparent system since last year to provide the poor with essential food items at subsidised rates through the Ramadan package.

Shehbaz said the system of utility stores in the country for decades was marred by financial irregularities, mismanagement and exploitation of the poor. He said the government has replaced it with a transparent system.