PESHAWAR: The provincial government has announced Rs.13.287 billion Ramazan Support Package for deserving low-income families in the province.
Approval to the package was granted during a meeting of the provincial cabinet held here with Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi in the chair. Besides, provincial ministers, administrative secretaries of all provincial departments attended the meeting.
More than one million poor families would be provided financial relief of Rs 12,500 per family under the package. The estimated number of the deserving families is 1,063,000. The assistance will be disbursed directly to the head of each deserving family through digital payment methods. Priority will be given to the poorest segments of society, including destitute persons, widows, orphans, persons with disabilities, transgender persons and victims of natural disasters and incidents of terrorism, while government and semi-government employees will not be eligible for the package. The amount allocated for the Ramazan Support Package is 25pc higher than last year.
Similarly, under food security measures, the provincial government approved the procurement of 175,000 metric tons of wheat at a total cost exceeding Rs 19 billion. It also approved the deregulation of sugar to ensure stable and transparent supply across the country, he said.
A framework for providing additional financial support to the Gabral Kalam and Madain hydropower projects has also been approved in order to expedite these important energy initiatives.
The provincial government has also approved an additional grant of Rs 496 million as a Martyrs’ Package for the families of 190 martyrs of law enforcement agencies. Similarly, financial assistance for treatment was approved for deserving patients suffering from complex and costly diseases.
The reconstitution of the Quran Board and the appointment of its 19 members for a three-year term have also been approved. As part of measures to safeguard minority rights, the cabinet approved the appointment of members to the National Commission for Minorities, along with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Kalash Marriage Bill and the Hindu Marriage (Amendment) Bill.
The provincial government has also approved the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Women Empowerment Policy 2026–2030. The policy covers six key objectives, including participation in economic activities, employment security, access to social services and human development, active role in political and social leadership, legal protection and access to justice, inclusion in and access to digital initiatives, and measures to ensure protection during climate change impacts and natural disasters.
The KP government has also approved the activation of 325 non-functional computer/IT labs in high and higher secondary schools, as well as provision of internet facilities to 958 schools. The decision aims to further strengthen information technology initiatives and artificial intelligence–linked educational programs of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.
It has also approved an increase in the cost of the tele-taleem pilot project launched in 175 schools under the Elementary and Secondary Education Foundation. Through this scheme, online education in science, mathematics, IT and English will be provided.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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