SAPM on Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation Dr Sania Nishtar has revealed that as many as 8.5 million needy families have been provided cash handouts under the government's flagship Ehsaas programme.

A total of Rs104 billion have been disbursed so far under the programme that has been running for five weeks now, she told a press conference.

She said the government is targeting families most in need of the help, including daily wagers and domestic workers who have lost their incomes.

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