July 16, 2020 – Islamabad: Speaking at a press conference alongside Information Minister, Shibli Faraz, Special Assistant to the PM on Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Sania Nishtar said that the funding of Ehsaas Emergency Cash has been increased by the federal government from Rs. 144 billion to Rs. 203 billion. With this enhanced scope, as many as 16.9 million families, or around 109 million individuals, practically half the country will get benefit from these cash handouts. Further, Dr. Nishtar highlighted, “This is fully transparent, rule and merit based, and apolitical cash transfer program of Pakistan based on demand based assistance seeking mechanism. Sindh province gains the most from this program which shows its apolitical nature.” Terming the Ehsaas Emergency Cash as the biggest social protection program rolled out in Pakistan’s history, she said that it has been commended internationally. So far, 12.86 million Ehsaas Emergency Cash beneficiaries across the country have received one-time cash assistance of Rs.155.64 billion. Full footage of the press conference can be watched here.