ECC approves Rs19bn for PM’s Ramzan Relief Package 2026

February 20, 2026 (MLN): The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) approved the immediate release of Rs19 billion for the Prime Minister’s Ramzan Relief Package (PMRRP) 2026 to ensure timely disbursement of financial assistance to vulnerable families during the holy month.

The meeting, chaired remotely by Muhammad Aurangzeb, was attended by Syed Imran Ahmad Shah, Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety; Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production; as well as federal secretaries and senior officials from relevant ministries, divisions and regulatory bodies, according to a press release issued.

The ECC reviewed a summary presented by the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety seeking Rs25 billion for the Ramzan package.

The Finance Division informed the forum that Rs19 billion had already been allocated in the current fiscal year’s budget.

The committee subsequently approved the immediate release of the budgeted amount to facilitate prompt initiation of payments, while noting that any additional funding requirements would be considered in light of evolving needs and available fiscal space.

In addition, the ECC granted in-principle approval for Rs1 billion in operational expenditures associated with implementing the package.

However, it directed the ministry to submit a detailed cost breakdown including payments to partner financial institutions and outreach and communication expenses  to the Finance Division to ensure compliance with financial rules and alignment with actual requirements.

The committee also regularized steps taken to enable early disbursement through re-appropriated funds, acknowledging the urgency of initiating payments ahead of Ramzan.

It emphasized that expenditures would be managed in accordance with Pakistan’s fiscal commitments and that any unspent funds would be returned under established procedures.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting deserving segments of society, the ECC emphasized the importance of balancing swift relief delivery with fiscal discipline and transparency.

The Prime Minister’s Ramzan Relief Package 2026 is designed to provide targeted, one-time cash assistance to low-income households. Beneficiaries will be identified using data from the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) to ensure transparency and objectivity, with funds to be transferred directly through formal banking and digital channels for secure and efficient distribution.

Copyright Mettis Link News