Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formally unveiled the Ramazan Package 2026 on 14 February 2026, raising assistance for each deserving family from Rs 5,000 to Rs 13,000. The federal government allocated Rs 38 billion and, for the first time at this scale, moved distribution to digital wallets and bank channels instead of ration bags.
This guide explains what changed, who is covered, how payment works, and why the headline numbers need careful reading.
PM Ramazan Relief Package at a Glance
| Amount | Rs 13,000 per deserving family (up from Rs 5,000) |
| Budget | Rs 38 billion (last year: Rs 20 billion) |
| Families | More than 12 million families, about 36 million people |
| Coverage | All four provinces, AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan |
| Eligibility basis | Low-income households in the NSER registry |
| Payment | Digital wallets and banking channels under a State Bank of Pakistan framework |
| Help | Helpline 9999, a mobile app and an online portal |
| Unveiled | 14 February 2026 (broadcast live) |
| Formal launch | 26 February 2026, reported by Express Tribune |
What Changed From Previous Years
- The old ration-based distribution model was scrapped last year, because the Prime Minister said it gave substandard items and forced people to queue.
- The system is now cashless, with direct cash transfers.
- Assistance per family rose from Rs 5,000 to Rs 13,000.
- The package grew from Rs 20 billion last year to Rs 38 billion. The Prime Minister said a third-party audit found last year’s distribution transparent and free from corruption.
Who Is Eligible?
The reports describe the beneficiaries as “deserving” families. Our programme list notes that eligibility is based on the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) of low-income households. Specific income cut-offs were not published in the articles we reviewed. To see whether your household is in the registry, use the official BISP/NSER channels.
How the Money Is Paid
Payments are made digitally through digital wallets and banking channels. The State Bank of Pakistan issued a framework for distribution. Our programme list records 12 banks and fintechs as the payment channels. Officials said the digital system improves transparency, saves time and protects beneficiaries’ dignity.
How to get help: the government named helpline 9999, a mobile app and an online portal. Step-by-step checking instructions were not given in the reports, so use only official channels.
A Note on the Numbers
Rs 13,000 multiplied by 12 million families would be about Rs 156 billion, far more than the Rs 38 billion allocation. The reports do not explain the gap. One report says Rs 10 billion is for families already benefiting from the system. Treat the 12 million figure and the Rs 38 billion budget as separate figures that were quoted by different officials, and wait for official data before assuming exactly how many families receive Rs 13,000.
Is This the Same as BISP Payments?
No. This was a one-off Ramadan package. Regular BISP quarterly payments are separate. See our guide on BISP payment checks.
Beware of Fake Agents and Scam Sites
Government welfare schemes attract scammers. No genuine programme asks you to pay a “registration fee” to an agent, share your card PIN, or send your CNIC and OTP codes to a WhatsApp number. Enter your CNIC only on websites ending in .gov.pk or use the official SMS and helpline numbers mentioned in this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the PM Ramazan Package?
Rs 13,000 per eligible family, up from Rs 5,000.
What is the total budget?
Rs 38 billion.
How is the money paid?
Through digital wallets and banking channels under a State Bank of Pakistan framework.
Who is eligible?
Deserving, low-income families in the NSER registry.
What is the helpline?
9999, according to the unveiling report.
Is it available in AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan?
Yes, reports say it covers all provinces, AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Is the package still running?
It was a Ramadan 2026 package. Check official announcements for any future round.
Sources
- Pakistan Today, 14 Feb 2026: PM unveils Rs38b Ramazan package 2026
- Express Tribune, 27 Feb 2026: PM formally launches Rs38b Ramazan package
- Dawn, 19 Feb 2026 (coverage of the package)
Last checked: 11 October 2026. Gov-programs.info is an independent information site and is not affiliated with any government body. Figures are as reported by the cited outlets; always confirm on the official portal before applying or sharing documents.
