Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari strongly criticised the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for failing to start the distribution of its Ramazan relief package despite half of the holy month already passing. She said the delay has raised serious concerns about the provincial government’s preparedness and commitment to supporting struggling families during a period when financial assistance becomes especially important for low-income households.
While addressing the issue, Bukhari highlighted that the government of Punjab had already begun distributing assistance through the Ramazan Nigahban Program. According to officials, financial support has reached around three million beneficiaries so far, while authorities expect the number to increase to nearly four million people in the coming days as the programme continues to expand across the province.
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In addition, Bukhari praised welfare initiatives launched under the leadership of Maryam Nawaz, particularly large-scale iftar arrangements organised for people across different cities. She said the programme is providing meals to thousands daily, ensuring that needy citizens receive food and support during Ramazan while also strengthening community assistance efforts.
However, the minister claimed that authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have not yet started distributing their Ramazan package. Instead, she said the provincial government has only asked members of the National and Provincial Assemblies to submit beneficiary lists, which has further delayed the delivery of assistance to deserving families.
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Furthermore, Bukhari accused the provincial administration led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf of planning to distribute nearly Rs10 billion among party workers under the guise of the Ramazan relief package rather than prioritising deserving citizens. She also criticised officials such as Muzamil Aslam and Sohail Afridi, claiming they appeared unaware of the status of the programme.
She further expressed concern that the provincial government seems more focused on a prisoner in Adiala Jail instead of addressing the urgent needs of nearly 40 million residents living in the province. According to Bukhari, authorities must prioritise welfare initiatives to support citizens facing financial challenges during Ramazan.