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PM UNVEILS RS38B RAMAZAN PACKAGE 2026 AS CASHLESS RELIEF EXPANDS NATIONWIDE Sunday, 15 February, 2026 | 26 Sha’ban, 1447
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SAYS OLD RATION-BASED MODEL SCRAPPED TO PROTECT DIGNITY OF BENEFICIARIES, NOTING THIRD-PARTY AUDIT DECLARES LAST YEAR’S DISTRIBUTION TRANSPARENT, CORRUPTION-FREE
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 222 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
RS38B PACKAGE TO ASSIST NEARLY 36M PEOPLE OF 12M HOUSEHOLDS WITH EACH DESERVING FAMILY TO GET RS13,000 ACROSS COUNTRY, INCLUDING GB, AJK
STATE BANK FRAMEWORK, HELPLINE 9999, APP LAUNCHED TO ENSURE SMOOTH DELIVERY
– directs interior minister to address Islamabad security, related matters ‘in efficient manner’ ISLAMABAD
Staff report
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ISLAMABAD
Saleem Jadoon
RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday formally unveiled the “Ramazan Package 2026” worth Rs38 billion, announcing that the relief initiative would be implemented with renewed commitment and improved mechanisms to benefit more than 12 million families, with each deserving household receiving an enhanced amount of Rs13,000 through digital payments. Addressing a ceremony broadcast
live on national television, the prime minister said that, drawing on lessons from previous years, a total of Rs38 billion would be distributed through digital wallets and banking channels across all four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. He acknowledged the scale and complexity of the initiative, terming it a major administrative and technological undertaking. The prime minister said the government had abolished the old distribution system last year, under which substandard items were provided and beneficiaries were forced to wait in long queues, often at the cost of their dignity and self-
President reaffirms commitment to economic recovery, national unity and upholding PPP’s legacy RAHIM YAR KHAN Staff report
President Asif Ali Zardari has reiterated his resolve to steer the country toward economic recovery, strengthen national unity, and uphold the ideological legacy of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). Speaking to the local leadership and former ticket holders of the party from South Punjab, he said that being there felt like being in his home province Sindh, noting that the culture across both regions reflected unity and shared traditions and heritage. He expressed pride in having spent around 14 years in prison, stating that he endured those years with courage, thanks to the unwavering support and indomitable will of the party workers. In an apparent reference to a political rival now in opposition , he remarked that true leadership was tested in difficult times, contrasting his long imprisonment with others who, despite spending a shorter period behind bars and having enjoyed all facilities, could not withstand the pressure. The President acknowledged that the country was facing economic hardships and inflation but attributed the situation to the mismanagement of the previous fouryear government. He said the current Prime Minister was making sincere efforts to stabilize the economy and ensure smooth governance despite numerous challenges.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday directed Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi to address the security situation in Islamabad and related matters “in an effective and efficient manner,” according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s media wing. “Interior Minister Naqvi briefed the premier on the overall security situation of the country,” the statement said, adding that the prime minister was also given a detailed briefing on the current situation and security in Islamabad. The statement noted that PM Shehbaz Sharif instructed Naqvi to take prompt and effective measures to enhance security arrangements in the federal capital and oversee all related matters efficiently. The premier
respect. He said the shift to a cashless digital system ensured direct cash transfers to deserving families. He added that a third-party audit of the Rs20 billion allocated for last year’s
also directed the interior minister to visit Sri Lanka soon to “convey the prime minister’s special message” to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.” Islamabad has witnessed two major suicide attacks in recent months. On 6 February, a bombing at an imambargah during Friday prayers killed 36 people and injured over 150, while a blast outside a district and sessions court in G-11 in November claimed 12 lives and injured more than 30 people. Earlier this week, PM Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari held a high-level meeting at the Presidency to review the political and security situation in the country. The meeting was attended by Mohsin Naqvi, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, and other senior officials.
relief package had found the distribution process to be highly transparent and free from corruption, reinforcing confidence in the new mechanism.
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COAS Asim Munir meets US Secretary of State, German leaders on sidelines of Munich Security Conference RAWALPINDI
Staff CorreSpondent
Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Staff (CDF), visited Germany from February 12 to 14 to attend meetings on the sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference, where he held a series of high-level engagements with global leaders and defence officials. During the visit, COAS & CDF interacted with a number of international dignitaries to discuss evolving global and regional security dynamics, counterterrorism cooperation and avenues for strengthening bilateral defence ties. On the margins of the conference, the COAS met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to official sources, the two sides exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, including regional stability, global security challenges and cooperation in counterterrorism efforts. As part of his engagements with German leadership, Field Marshal Munir called on Mr Alexander Dobrindt, Federal Minister of the Interior of Germany; Mr
Dar, Saudi FM discuss 'evolving regional situation' in fresh call ISLAMABAD
Staff CorreSpondent
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday discussed the “evolving regional situation” in a telephone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the Foreign Office said. In a statement posted on X, the FO said the two leaders exchanged views on the regional environment and upcoming international engagements and agreed to remain in close contact amid ongoing diplomatic developments. The latest interaction comes as both countries maintain regular high-level consultations on regional security and geopolitical shifts. Dar had also spoken to Prince Faisal last month shortly after arriving in Beijing, where, according to the FO, the two “deliberated on the recent situation in the region.” The call marked another in a series of recent contacts between the two foreign ministers. On December 30, 2025, they had similarly exchanged views on “the current regional situation and recent developments,” underscoring the frequency of diplomatic coordination between Islamabad and Riyadh. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share longstanding and multifaceted ties rooted in strategic military cooperation, deep economic linkages and shared religious and cultural bonds. Riyadh has historically been a key source of financial assistance, oil supplies and investment support for Islamabad, particularly during periods of economic strain. In September 2025, the two countries further elevated their partnership by signing a landmark mutual defence agreement, under which an attack on one party would be treated as an attack on both—a move widely seen as formalising and deepening their strategic alignment. Officials say sustained high-level engagement reflects both sides’ commitment to close coordination on regional peace, security and broader international developments.
CM Afridi stresses immediate treatment for Imran Khan, calls for calm amid PTI protests PESHAWAR
Staff report
Günter Sautter, Foreign and Security Policy Adviser to the German Federal Chancellor; and General Carsten Breuer, Chief of Defence of the Federal Armed Forces. Discussions with German officials focused on contemporary security challenges, bilateral defence cooperation and the importance of promoting global peace and stability through sustained bilateral and multilateral dialogue. Both sides reaffirmed the need for collaborative approaches to address emerging threats, including terrorism and hybrid warfare. In addition, COAS & CDF held a meeting with Admiral Re-
nato Rodrigues de Aguiar Freire, Chief of the Joint Staff of the Brazilian Armed Forces. The interaction centred on expanding bilateral military cooperation, professional exchanges and shared perspectives on regional and international security. General Rodolph Haykal, Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, also called on Field Marshal Munir during the conference. The two sides discussed the prevailing global and regional security environment and explored measures to enhance defence collaboration between Pakistan and Lebanon.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Saturday referred to a directive from the Supreme Court of Pakistan, stating that under the orders of the Chief Justice, incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan must receive complete medical treatment by February 16. Reacting to recent tensions following the publication of a report on Khan’s eye condition, Afridi took to X, urging that the matter not be politicised and stressing that treatment must proceed in strict accordance with court directives. He called for calm and restraint, asking party workers to remain peaceful and vigilant while ensuring that Khan receives immediate and proper medical care. Political temperatures escalated after a seven-page report submitted to the Supreme Court detailed the conditions of the PTI founder at Adiala Jail, quoting him as saying he had lost 85% vision in his right eye. The report sparked strong condemnation from the PTI, which labelled the alleged denial of proper medical care as “grave and inexcusable negligence,” claiming that Khan’s treatment had been limited to basic eye drops for months despite his deteriorating condition. In a significant development, the federal government assured the apex court that Khan would be provided access to specialist eye doctors for a fresh medical assessment and would be allowed telephonic contact with his sons, Kasim and Sulaiman.
Govt to shift Imran to hospital, forms Medical Board as TTAP sit-in enters day two ISLAMABAD mian abrar
The government on Saturday announced that jailed Imran Khan would be shifted to a hospital for medical treatment and that a medical board would be constituted to examine him, as a protest sit-in by the Tehreek-e-Tahfuz-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) outside Parliament entered its second day. Officials said the decision was taken in light of concerns over the former premier’s deteriorating health, particularly reports regarding serious vision loss in his right eye. The move also follows recent court proceedings in which the matter of his medical condition was raised. The announcement comes amid mounting pressure from opposition leaders who have been staging a sit-in at Parliament House since Friday, demanding Imran’s immediate transfer to a private hospital for specialised treatment. Protesters have vowed to continue their demonstration until he is provided comprehensive medical care under the supervision of his personal physicians. The TTAP leadership has described the protest as a constitutional and humanitarian effort, alleging delays and negligence in the provision of medical treatment. Heavy police contingents remained deployed in the
Red Zone, with access to key routes around Parliament restricted as authorities sought to contain the demonstration. Government officials, however, have maintained that Imran has been receiving regular medical attention in custody and that the formation of a medical board would ensure an independent and transparent assessment of his condition. They said further details regarding the hospital transfer and the composition of the board would be shared in due course. The development marks a significant step
in the ongoing political and legal controversy surrounding Imran Khan’s incarceration and health, as tensions between the government and opposition continue to escalate. In a statement posted on X, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that eye specialists would conduct detailed examinations as part of Imran’s ongoing treatment and that a comprehensive report would be submitted to the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
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Imran speaks to sons amid family’s demand for urgent treatment ISLAMABAD
Staff CorreSpondent
Aleema Khan, sister of jailed Imran Khan, said on Saturday that the former premier spoke to his sons for about 20 minutes and was “extremely happy to hear their voices” after months of separation. The development follows directives by the Supreme Court of Pakistan ordering that Imran be allowed to speak with his children and undergo a medical examination after a report submitted by his lawyer, Salman Safdar, revealed he had lost 85 per cent of vision in his right eye. In a post on X, Aleema said the chief justice had instructed authorities to facilitate the call, confirming that Imran was able to speak with his sons for approximately 20 minutes. “His sons shared that he was extremely happy to hear their voices after such a long time,” she wrote. She added that the family was now awaiting his urgent medical treatment at
Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad under the supervision of his personal doctors. “Specialist doctors must make every possible effort to restore his eyesight,” she said, alleging that intentional delays in treatment had already caused significant damage. “We cannot and will not tolerate any further delay, and immediate specialist care is essential to prevent any permanent loss of vision,” she said. Imran’s sons, Kasim and Sulaiman, have repeatedly stated over the past year that they have been unable to meet their father since his arrest. Following submission of the medical report in court on Thursday, Kasim described the reported vision loss as “a direct consequence of solitary confinement and medical neglect.” He alleged that his father had lost most of the vision in his right eye, claiming only 15pc remained, and held authorities responsible for what he described as prolonged solitary confinement and denial of proper medical care.