Saudi Arabia Launches Ramadan Food Assistance Programme Across 30 Pakistani Districts
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its steadfast solidarity with Pakistan as the Kingdom launched a nationwide Ramadan food assistance programme aimed at supporting vulnerable communities across 30 districts of the country.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the dispatch of relief consignments, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki underscored the enduring strength of bilateral relations, stating that “the Saudi government and its people will never leave Pakistan alone.” He emphasized that ties between the two brotherly nations continue to deepen across humanitarian, economic, and strategic spheres.
The initiative is being implemented by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre in coordination with Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), reflecting structured institutional collaboration between the two countries.
Food Basket Project (5) – Pakistan 2026
According to Ambassador Al-Maliki, the programme is being executed under the “Food Basket Project (5) – Pakistan 2026,” targeting approximately 192,500 food-insecure individuals during the holy month of Ramadan.
Each food basket, weighing 97 kilograms, has been carefully designed to meet the nutritional requirements of an average household for the entire month. The package includes 80 kilograms of flour, 5 litres of cooking oil, 5 kilograms of sugar, 2 kilograms of dates, and 5 kilograms of gram—quantities calculated to sustain a family throughout Ramadan.
The ambassador noted that the distribution process is being conducted in a transparent and coordinated manner, in collaboration with Provincial Disaster Management Authorities, the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority, the State Disaster Management Authority, district administrations, and partner organisations including Hayat Foundation and the Peace and Development Organization.
Strengthening Humanitarian Cooperation
Officials from the King Salman Relief Centre described the initiative as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader humanitarian mission aimed at strengthening food security and alleviating hardship among vulnerable populations. They emphasized that the programme reflects the Kingdom’s continued commitment to supporting Pakistan, particularly during spiritually significant occasions such as Ramadan.
Pakistan Commends Saudi Leadership
Addressing the gathering, Pakistan’s Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s consistent support and enduring friendship.
He observed that the Kingdom has stood by Pakistan at critical moments and has extended meaningful assistance across various sectors. Referring to the Ramadan initiative, he stated that the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman once again demonstrated their deep regard and solidarity with the people of Pakistan.
The minister described the Saudi–Pakistan relationship as rooted in shared faith, mutual respect, and a longstanding strategic partnership—ties that continue to strengthen through practical cooperation and people-to-people engagement.
