Delay in Distribution of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ramadan Relief Package Despite Cabinet Approval

Peshawar:The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) cabinet approved a relief package for the poor and low-income families ahead of Ramadan, providing cash assistance of 10,000 rupees. However, despite the approval before the start of Ramadan, the distribution process has not yet begun, causing concern among the beneficiaries.

After the cabinet’s approval, the KP Finance Department released the funds for the distribution of the Ramadan relief package to the Social Welfare Department, which is responsible for the distribution process. The provincial government had announced that instead of providing ration, cash would be distributed to eligible families, similar to last year’s approach.

### Reasons for the Delay and When the Distribution Will Begin
Despite the approval of the relief package and the release of funds, the distribution has been delayed, causing anxiety among the intended recipients.

An officer from the Finance Department clarified that the provincial government had already made preparations for the Ramadan relief. Following the cabinet’s approval, the necessary funds amounting to 10.7 billion rupees were released to the Social Welfare Department, which holds the responsibility for the distribution. There is no shortage of funds, the officer confirmed.

Meanwhile, sources within the Social Welfare Department explained that arrangements for distributing the Ramadan relief package are in the final stages. They clarified that the funds would be transferred to deserving individuals based on their National Identity Card (NIC) numbers. The distribution process will commence by the 15th of Ramadan. The delay in the distribution was attributed to the late release of funds and the need to recheck the eligibility list before finalizing it.

### Who Will Receive the Ramadan Relief Package?
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is providing cash assistance as part of the Ramadan relief package for the second consecutive year. According to a statement by the spokesperson for the KP government, Barrister Saif, over 10 lakh deserving families will benefit from the 10,000-rupee cash assistance.

The relief package will be distributed through banks and Easypaisa in a transparent manner, with the provincial government bearing all associated banking and transaction charges. This will ensure that the full amount reaches the deserving individuals. The distribution will be based on the lists from the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) and the Ehsaas Program, with additional inclusions for orphans and victims of terrorism. Moreover, all transgender individuals in the province will be prioritized for receiving the aid.

The government has assured that the relief will be provided in a fair and transparent manner, and the distribution will begin promptly after the final checks are completed.