The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) on Thursday approved the immediate release of Rs19 billion for the Prime Minister’s Ramazan Relief Package, designed to provide targeted financial assistance to vulnerable families during the holy month.

According to the statement issued by Ministry of Finance, the decision was made during a meeting of the ECC in Islamabad, chaired remotely by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. It was also agreed that any additional funds would be considered in line with evolving needs and available fiscal space.

Last week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formally unveiled the PM's Ramazan Package 2026, worth Rs38 billion, benefiting more than 12 million families through digital payments.

The PM said that they had done away with the old distribution system the previous year, as the items provided to deserving families under the system were of low quality, and people used to wait in queues, compromising their self-respect.

In a post on X, the ministry stated that the ECC also granted in-principle approval for Rs1 billion in operational expenses, directing that detailed cost breakdowns be shared with the Finance Division to ensure transparency, fiscal prudence, and compliance with financial rules.

"The Committee emphasised balancing swift relief delivery with strong financial oversight and noted that any unutilised funds would be surrendered in accordance with established procedures," the statement added.

The statement further said the relief package is designed to provide targeted cash assistance to low-income households during the holy month, using National Socio-Economic Registry data to ensure transparency and objective beneficiary selection. "Funds will be disbursed directly through formal banking and digital channels to ensure secure, efficient, and dignified delivery," it added.