PM reviews progress on Fuel Relief Scheme

ISLAMABAD, Oct 01 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Thursday chaired a review meeting regarding the progress of the Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme.

Under the scheme, fuel subsidies are being provided to owners of motorcycles, rickshaws, and vehicles with engine capacities of up to 800cc.

The Prime Minister reiterated commitment to providing relief to low-income and middle-class segments amidst rising petroleum prices.

He said citizens are benefiting from the fuel subsidy due to the government’s timely measures.

“It is gratifying that over 7.5 million citizens have benefited from the relief scheme in the short period since September 15,” he said and commended the performance of the entire government team in implementing the fuel subsidy scheme.

He said the fuel subsidy scheme was an excellent example of effective, coordinated cooperation and joint efforts by the entire government machinery.

He appreciated the efforts of the Deputy Prime Minister, IT Minister, Information Minister, Minister for Economic Affairs, Finance Minister, OGRA, and all federal and provincial officials associated with the scheme.

He said the robust database developed through the fuel subsidy scheme will also be utilized to assist citizens in the future.

The Prime Minister was briefed on the progress of the fuel subsidy scheme during the meeting.

Under the fuel subsidy scheme, over 8.4 million individuals have registered so far, and more than 7.5 million citizens have benefited from the scheme.

Out of the 12.2 million tokens issued since the launch of the petrol subsidy, 10.3 million have been utilized.

The scheme launched on September 15 is now entering its third week and citizens who availed the fuel subsidy in the first and second rounds will now be able to claim the subsidy for the upcoming week.

Implementation of the petrol subsidy scheme is underway across 129 districts nationwide, with all petrol pumps facilitating citizens under the program.

A round-the-clock call center has been established to provide guidance to citizens and petrol pump owners.

The Public Affairs Unit of the Prime Minister’s Office and public representatives are assisting citizens with registration.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Ahad Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Ali Pervaiz Malik and Muhammad Aurangzeb; Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant Tariq Bajwa, and senior officials from relevant institutions.