Karachi: The Chairman of the Currency Exchange Companies Association, Malik Muhammad Bostan, has lauded Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's initiative to provide financial assistance and social protection to low-income families in Pakistan. Bostan described the effort as a significant step for aiding the poor and middle class, emphasizing the need for subsidies on essential food items.
Bostan highlighted the importance of creating a transparent system to ensure affordable access to food during Ramadan. He pointed out that although utility stores once offered low-cost food items, they were closed due to mismanagement, a situation that Prime Minister Sharif has pledged to rectify with a new transparent system.
Bostan urged the Prime Minister to instruct relevant institutions to implement an effective package for Ramadan 2026, commencing in February. The goal is to allow deserving families to observe Ramadan with dignity and peace.
Reflecting on the previous year's efforts, Bostan noted that in 2025, the government provided 10,000 rupees in direct financial aid to each eligible family, along with subsidies on basic ration items. The initiative benefited 4 million families, with approximately 20 billion rupees allocated for the scheme, distributed via a digital system. This year, there is hope for increased financial support for needy families.
The Prime Minister's initiative is seen as a continuation of efforts to support millions of underprivileged citizens, ensuring they have access to necessary resources during the holy month.