Disbursement of relief funds for public transport and goods vehicle drivers begin, says PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said that the disbursement of relief funds to public transport operators and goods vehicle drivers through digital wallets has already begun, as part of the government’s efforts to support citizens amid recent regional tensions.

In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office today said that PM Shehbaz chaired a review meeting on petroleum product reserves and the implementation of government relief measures for the public.

Speaking at the meeting, the premier said, “Under an effective and transparent system, subsidies are being transferred digitally to buses and wagons in public transport, as well as to trucks and goods-carrying vehicles.”

He added that the government was working to ensure relief reaches economically vulnerable segments as quickly as possible. “We will not leave our people alone in difficult times. Providing relief to ordinary citizens in challenging conditions is the government’s top priority,” the premier said, adding that the savings from government austerity and simplicity measures would be spent on the public.

During the meeting, the PM Shehbaz was briefed on the progress of implementing relief measures following the recent increase in petroleum product prices. Officials informed him that sufficient petroleum reserves were available to meet national requirements and updated him on the status of public relief initiatives.

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Federal Ministers Dr Musadik Malik, Attaullah Tarar, Ali Pervaiz Malik, Special Assistant Talha Burki, and other senior officials attended the meeting.

The meeting came after the government on Thursday raised the petrol price by Rs137 per litre, taking it to a record Rs458.4. However, a day earlier, PM Shehbaz, in a televised address, announced a Rs80 per litre reduction in the petroleum levy on petrol, bringing its price down to Rs378 per litre.

Under the relief measures, a subsidy of Rs100 per litre was announced for motorcycle users, while goods transport operators will receive financial assistance for one month: small trucks Rs70,000, large trucks Rs80,000, and public transport buses Rs100,000. The government said these measures aim to prevent increases in the prices of essential commodities and fares.

The government is also providing support to small farmers, offering financial assistance of Rs1,500 per acre, and ensuring that economy-class fares for Pakistan Railways passengers remain unchanged. The announced measures will also be implemented in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, with the government pledging to provide all necessary resources.