The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Finance Department has released funds for the Ramazan package, said the Advisor to Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations, Barrister Dr Mohammad Ali Saif in a press statement issued here on Thursday.
The distribution of the cash package will start from next week. He said the Ramazan package will be issued to low-income families and all matters in this regard have been settled with a private bank.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur announced a Rs10,000 Ramazan package for deserving families during a press briefing after the cabinet meeting last week.
During its inaugural meeting on March 8th, the cabinet approved a relief package aimed at supporting needy individuals during the holy month of Ramadan. Under this initiative, 850,000 households already registered in Ehsaas and BISP programs will receive Rs10,000 per household, amounting to a total cost of Rs8.5 billion. Additionally, 115,000 more households, previously not included in these programs, will also benefit from the same amount.
Addressing the meeting, Ali Amin emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting employment opportunities, particularly through youth skill development and interest-free loans to facilitate entrepreneurship. The goal is to empower individuals to establish businesses aligned with their skills and capabilities.
Asserting the government’s dedication to utilizing available resources for the welfare of the people, the Chief Minister highlighted the importance of provincial rights. He pledged to engage with the federal government on this matter and called upon the media to support these efforts.
Furthermore, he underscored the significant sum of Rs1,510 billion owed to the province in net hydal power profits, emphasizing that this rightful amount could greatly alleviate the province’s financial challenges. He clarified that the demand isn’t for charity but for constitutional rights, acknowledging the country’s economic situation and proposing a mutually agreeable mechanism for settling the arrears instead of insisting on a lump sum payment.
In summary, the cabinet’s approval of the relief package reflects the government’s commitment to assisting vulnerable communities during Ramadan, while also prioritizing initiatives to boost employment and advocate for provincial rights in collaboration with the federal government.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 16th, 2024.
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