ISLAMABAD: The government on Tuesday announced a Ramazan Relief Package worth five billion rupees to provide maximum relief to the poor segment of society during the holy month of Ramazan across the country.

Addressing a news conference in Islamabad on Tuesday, Minister for Industries and Production Syed Murtaza Mahmud said first priority of the federal government is to save the people from inflation.

He said the package has come into force from Tuesday and would continue till the last day of the holy month.

He said Federal Government, is already providing five basic food items to the public at subsidized rates through the Utility Stores.

The Minister said in order to facilitate the public the Prime Minister has extended the scope of the relief package by increasing the number of subsidized items to 19.

The items to be provided at subsidized rates include flour, ghee, sugar, cooking oil, tea, dates, besan, dal mash, dal mong, milk, drinks, and spices.

The targeted subsidy will be only for the people registered under the Benazir Income Support Program while the people of the entire country will benefit from the general subsidy.