PESHAWAR: On the directives of Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi, the provincial cabinet has approved the Ramadan Relief Package during its 47th meeting to provide financial assistance to deserving families across the province ahead of Ramadan 2026. The initiative aims to ease the financial burden on low-income households amid rising inflation in Pakistan.
Under the approved Ramadan relief package, approximately 1.063 million families in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will receive cash assistance averaging Rs 12,500 per family during the holy month of Ramadan. The financial aid is intended to help beneficiaries manage essential expenses, including food staples such as wheat flour and sugar, which have seen significant price increases in recent months.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson for Economy and Finance stated that this year’s package reflects an increase compared to Ramadan 2024, when Rs 10,000 per family was distributed for the first time under a provincial relief initiative. In light of soaring inflation and the sharp rise in essential commodity prices, the Chief Minister approved a 25 percent increase in the Ramadan relief amount to maximize support for vulnerable segments of society.
Officials emphasized that the Ramadan Relief Package 2026 underscores the provincial government’s commitment to social protection, poverty alleviation, and targeted subsidies during the holy month. The move is part of broader efforts by the KP government to cushion the impact of inflation and provide timely financial relief to underprivileged families across urban and rural districts.
Meanwhile, preparations for Ramadan 2026 are underway as astronomers forecast that the Ramadan crescent moon is likely to be sighted in Pakistan on February 18, 2026. According to astronomical calculations, the new moon will be born on February 17 at 5:01 pm, increasing the likelihood of visibility on the 29th of Shaban 1447 AH.
The official meeting of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to assess moon sighting reports will be held in Peshawar on February 18. The committee’s announcement will determine the start date of Ramadan in Pakistan, marking the beginning of the holy month for millions across the country.
