Delay in distribution of KP Ramazan package sparks opposition criticism

PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Mar, 2026) The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has yet to distribute financial assistance under the Ramazan Support Package to deserving families despite the passage of 15 days of Ramazan, drawing criticism from opposition parties.

Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had announced that 1.034 million low-income individuals across the province would receive Rs12,500 each as part of the Ramzan relief initiative. However, beneficiaries are still waiting to receive the announced assistance even though the provincial Finance Department has already released the funds.

Opposition leaders have alleged irregularities in the process, claiming that the funds are being distributed among workers of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

They further alleged that beneficiary lists are being prepared by selected lawmakers and party office-bearers.

According to official documents, the provincial cabinet approved the project titled “Ramazan Support for Low-Income Households, KP Perspective, 2026” on February 11, 2026.

Under the scheme, the government decided to allocate around Rs12.83 billion to provide financial support to low-income households during the holy month.

The Finance Department approved Rs10 billion as Grant-in-Aid and Rs2.8319 billion as a supplementary grant for the implementation of the package.

Responding to the allegations, Adviser to the Chief Minister on Finance Muzammil Aslam rejected the opposition’s claims and maintained that the funds had been released on time.

He said the delay in payments was due to the slow pace of administrative data entry, assuring that the assistance would soon be transferred to the eligible beneficiaries.

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