Pakistan PM introduces fuel relief scheme

Amid rising global oil prices and pressure on living standards following instability in the Middle East, Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has introduced the Prime Minister’s Special Relief Scheme to provide targeted fuel relief to vulnerable citizens.

Under the scheme, motorcycle, rickshaw and Qingqi users receive Rs500 weekly relief, while owners of cars up to 800cc receive Rs100 per litre relief on up to 10 litres every 10 days, bringing fuel costs closer to pre-war levels, according to media reports.

More than 5.8 million people registered within eight days of nationwide implementation, with around 4.7 million already benefiting.

People have hailed the initiative for its ease, transparency and direct delivery of relief, supported by SMS registration, digital verification and fuel tokens.

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The scheme has been designed as a dynamic, citizen-focused initiative, with changes made in response to public feedback. Eligibility for two- and three-wheelers was extended to vehicles up to 20 years old, registration through SMS to 9771 was made free, and the five-litre minimum purchase requirement was removed.

The Ministry of IT and Telecom developed the digital registration and verification system, while the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting undertook nationwide public awareness.

The initiative demonstrates how technology, transparency and responsive governance can deliver immediate relief to working and lower-income citizens during a global fuel-price shock.