Entire nation takes pride in its martyrs, their families: PM

• Premier Shehbaz visits residence of Shaheed Lt-Col Shahzada Gul Faraz to offer condolences

• Announces Daanish School in martyr’s name in Mansehra, saying nation will never forget sacrifices of martyrs

• Meets bereaved family and assures full state support, besides visits to grave, fateha offered for elevation of ranks

• PM also formally launches Rs38b Ramazan Relief Package 2026, saying aid raised to Rs13,000 per household under digital system

• Says 64pc beneficiaries paid; banks, fintechs onboard nationwide

 MANSEHRA/ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said the entire nation takes pride in its martyrs and their families and will never forget their supreme sacrifices, announcing the establishment of a Daanish School in Mansehra in the name of Shaheed Lt-Col Shahzada Gul Faraz, state media reported.

“Lt-Col Shahzada Gul Faraz Shaheed laid down his life while safeguarding the country,” the prime minister said, adding that the martyred officer set a shining example of bravery and courage.

The prime minister visited the residence of Lt-Col Shahzada Gul Faraz Shaheed in Mansehra to offer condolences to the bereaved family. The officer was martyred while leading an operation against Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists, said a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Prime Minister met the family members of Lieutenant Colonel Shahzada Gul Faraz Shaheed, paid tribute to the martyr, and offered prayers for him. pic.twitter.com/6q7NPRYJg4

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 26, 2026

According to the PMO’s statement, the premier met the mother, wife and children of the martyred officer and prayed for strength and patience for the family to bear the loss.

On the occasion, the prime minister assured the family that the government and the Pakistan Army would fully take care of them.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif visits the residence of Lt. Col. Shehzada Gull Faraz Shaheed and offers condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/POJVLzXgVD

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 26, 2026

He also visited the grave of the martyred officer, offered Fateha, and prayed for the elevation of his ranks in Jannah.

He said the entire nation, including himself, was proud of its martyrs and their families, stressing that Pakistan could never forget their sacrifices.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif offering fateha at the grave of Lt. Col. Shehzada Gull Faraz Shaheed. pic.twitter.com/xy0DbKtXDa

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 26, 2026

Reiterating his assurance of full support, the prime minister also formally announced the establishment of a Daanish School in Mansehra in the name of Lt-Col Shahzada Gul Faraz Shaheed.

Federal Ministers Attaullah Tarar, Engineer Amir Muqam and Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, Capt (retd) Muhammad Safdar, Murtaza Javed Abbasi, and Shah Ji Gul Afridi were also present on the occasion.

PM formally launches Rs38bn Ramazan Relief Package 2026

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday formally launched the PM Ramazan Relief Package 2026, with a total allocation of Rs38 billion. He made the announcement while chairing a review meeting on the package.

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a review meeting on implementation of the Prime Minister Ramzan Package, 2026. pic.twitter.com/dgO5K9IEsp

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 26, 2026

Addressing the participants, the prime minister said the assistance amount had been increased from Rs5,000 to Rs13,000 per household to provide meaningful financial support to deserving people during the holy month of Ramazan. “This is the largest and most comprehensive Ramazan relief package in the country,” he said, adding that distribution would follow the transparent digital system successfully used last year.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیرِ صدارت پرائم منسٹر رمضان ریلیف پیکج 2026 کے حوالے سے جائزہ اجلاس

اجلاس کے شرکاء سے گفتگو کرتے ہوئے وزیراعظم نے کہا کہ پرائم منسٹر رمضان ریلیف پیکج 2026 کا باضابطہ آغاز کیا گیا ہے، جس کے لیے 38 ارب روپے مختص کیے گئے ہیں۔ گزشتہ سال کی امدادی رقم کو… pic.twitter.com/hHVlEabUiV

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 26, 2026

Under the mechanism, cash assistance is being delivered directly to beneficiaries through digital wallets, ensuring efficiency and transparency while preserving the dignity of recipients by eliminating long queues.

Participants were briefed on the progress of the package. As of the 8th of Ramazan, 64 per cent of eligible individuals had received assistance, while verification and disbursement for the remaining beneficiaries were under way. The briefing noted that 12 banks and fintech companies are partnering with the government for distribution. So far, beneficiaries have completed 1.1 million digital transactions, while more than 1.227 million automated calls have been made to inform people about the package.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیر صدارت پرائم منسٹر رمضان ریلیف پیکج، 2026 کے حوالے سے جائزہ اجلاس

اجلاس کو پی ایم رمضان ریلیف پیکیج 2026 پر پیشرفت کے حوالے سے بریفنگ میں بتایا گیا کہ ڈیجیٹل والٹس ڈیٹا پر مبنی مالی نظام کا ایک اہم سنگِ میل ہیں۔ ریئل ٹائم ڈیش بورڈز کے ذریعے… pic.twitter.com/N8xJIcRVbj

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 26, 2026

The PM Ramazan Relief Package extends across the country, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, marking a key milestone in the government’s data-driven financial system. Real-time dashboards are being used to monitor payments, while a nationwide awareness campaign through print, electronic and social media is also under way.

The prime minister praised the performance of departments involved in delivering the package and said the digital wallet system provides a convenient and transparent way to reach beneficiaries while safeguarding their dignity.

Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Poverty Alleviation Syed Imran Ahmed Shah, Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kiyani, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid, State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmed, and other senior officials attended the meeting.