by Raheela Nazir

ISLAMABAD, March 12 (Xinhua) -- As people in Pakistan geared up to embrace the blessings and joy of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, many citizens pinned high hopes on the newly-elected government to be able to overcome the ongoing economic challenges and bring peace, prosperity and stability to the country.

Starting from Tuesday in Pakistan, Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, and the holiest month for Muslims around the world including Pakistan, in which adults fast from dawn till dusk, refraining from drinking, eating and smoking.

In Pakistan, the sacred month is marked by mass prayers, the decoration of streets and markets, traditional food, family and friends gatherings, and charity.

Murtaza Saleem, a banker in Pakistan's capital Islamabad, said that though the auspicious month of Ramadan brings along immense happiness and festivities, many people facing financial difficulties cannot enjoy the month as others.

"Inflation has reached an all-time high in the country. Many people are not able to buy good food and other supplies during Ramadan as food items are being sold at even higher prices. Even the people with comparatively decent salaries are finding it hard to spend freely on foodstuff," he told Xinhua.

Expressing hope of an economic turnaround in the coming months, Saleem said that as the country has recently held general elections and the new government has taken shape, a large number of people are optimistic about the good days ahead.

After being elected, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that his government would leave no stone unturned in stabilizing the national economy.

"We have got the mandate to improve the economy and this is the top priority of our government ... an action plan will be prepared on an emergency basis to streamline the overall economic situation of the country and improve economic indicators," the prime minister said.

Unveiling the Ramadan relief package recently, the government has announced a subsidy of 12.5 billion rupees (about 44.8 million U.S. dollars) to lower the rates of essential items for the poor, saying the scope of the relief package will be broadened further, according to the Prime Minister's Office.

Under the package, more than 1,200 mobile points and 300 permanent package relief centers are being established, which would provide food items at cheaper prices than the market during the whole month.

A few days ahead of Ramadan, a large number of people thronged markets to purchase daily commodities, with wholesale utility stores witnessing long queues of shoppers, especially women.

Nida Munir, a mother of two children and resident of the eastern Rawalpindi district, was excited to welcome Ramadan as a time of generosity, togetherness, and blessings for Muslims around the world.

Talking about her Ramadan budget, she said her family saved the whole year to spend generously and lavishly, especially on food. "Not only would we spend on us, every year in this month, we prepare special ration packages to distribute among poor families so they can also celebrate the month."

On the occasion, many restaurants, shopping malls, clothing, shoes, and jewelry brands are offering special Ramadan discounts across the country, providing an opportunity for citizens to indulge in the delight and bliss of the holy month. Enditem

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