PTI Government Accused of Distributing Ramadan Relief Package Among Party Workers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has come under fire following allegations that the Ramadan relief package is being used to reward party workers, even as the distribution process continues. As of now, over 660,000 families have received cash assistance, but accusations of political favoritism have surfaced since the distribution began.
According to the provincial government, the Ramadan relief package was approved before the start of the holy month, with plans to provide 10,000 rupees in cash to 1 million poor and low-income families. Last year, the government opted for cash assistance instead of ration distribution, with payments made to families registered under the Ehsaas Program.
Sources revealed that PTI members and officials pushed to include party workers in the list of recipients, arguing that most families in the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) were nominated by the opposition, leaving their own voters excluded. In response to objections from PTI members, the government directed that five thousand families be recommended from each constituency, and after completing the registration process, the distribution began.
The distribution of the Ramadan relief package quickly attracted criticism from opposition parties, who have demanded the release of the list of recipients. They claim that the assistance is being allocated based on political affiliation, with party workers benefiting disproportionately.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and Prime Minister’s Coordinator Ikhtiar Wali Khan accused the PTI government of favoring party workers. He urged that the list of those receiving the 10,000 rupees should be made public so that it can be verified whether PTI’s supporters are receiving funds meant for the poor. “The PTI will use these recipients for disruptive protests after Eid,” Wali Khan claimed, adding that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is deteriorating under the PTI-led government.
Mian Iftikhar Hussain, a leader of the Awami National Party (ANP), also condemned the exclusion of deserving poor families from the relief package, accusing the provincial government of political patronage and nepotism. He stated that the exclusion of deserving individuals from the aid had led to feelings of frustration and alienation among the people. “The provincial government is dividing the treasury for political gain,” he said, calling on the judiciary to take notice and investigate the matter.
A social welfare department official clarified that the distribution of cash aid is ongoing, with the provincial finance department releasing 1.02 billion rupees for the purpose. “The government has provided a list for aid distribution, which was shared through deputy commissioners. Only those who provided the list know who the rightful recipients are,” the official stated.
The aid is being distributed based on CNIC numbers, with no deductions allowed. Any attempts to reduce the amount will result in strict action, the official added.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has reported that over 660,000 families have already received cash assistance as part of the Ramadan relief package, with more than 1 million families registered for the program. However, no official statement has been issued regarding the allegations of political bias in the distribution of the funds. PTI’s own workers have accused elected representatives of using the funds to reward their chosen individuals, with some candidates from constituencies where PTI lost elections reportedly recommending names for the package. Despite repeated attempts to contact Provincial Minister for Social Welfare, Syed Qasim Ali Shah, for clarification, no response was received.
