Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Social Safety and Poverty Alleviation Dr Sania Nishtar on Sunday said that all official messages from the Ehsaas Programme are sent via the number 8171 and any other numbers sending messages are a scam.
The Ehsaas Emergency Cash Programme was launched in April 2020, under the government's social protection initiative, Ehsaas. It aims to help vulnerable families facing financial hardships due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
Dr Nishtar is a key figure for the Rs203bn programme, leading its implementation across the country, which includes a stipend of Rs12,000, that has been distributed to millions of families.
"This message you have received is absolutely fake," she told the recipient of a text saying that a grant of Rs33,500 has been approved and that the given cell phone number should be reached to claim it.
Dr Nishtar said that anyone receiving such messages should complain via SMS on 03351058050 and 03351058051.
IG Islamabad seeks time for searching missing brothers, saying police trying best for their recovery
UAE police recently issued a warning to residents to refrain from giving money to beggars
Hot and dry winds expected to blow from northwest in morning hours in metropolis
President Zardari labels those responsible as country's enemies, PM orders provision of medical facilities to injured
During Eid ul Fitr holidays, most parts of the country to experience hot and dry weather
Defence minister says political criticism should be based on ideological differences rather than personal attacks