Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to cancel petrol pump licences for refusing subsidised fuel to registered citizens. The order came during a meeting reviewing the Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Programme in Islamabad on Thursday.
The prime minister expressed satisfaction with the programme’s progress and transparency. He said simpler registration and subsidy payment procedures had encouraged more people to enrol. This had also helped more deserving citizens receive financial relief.
Shehbaz Sharif described the technology-based initiative as a potential model for future public welfare programmes. He stressed that every registered beneficiary must receive the promised subsidy without unnecessary difficulties.
Officials informed the meeting that 15,519,282 citizens had registered under the programme. These included approximately 15.06 million motorcycle owners. Another 449,000 registered citizens owned vehicles with engine capacities of up to 800cc.
The programme has issued 63,153,685 fuel subsidy tokens so far. Beneficiaries have redeemed 59,445,347 of these tokens. Officials also reported that total payments reached Rs28.6 billion by November 4.
The prime minister appreciated IT and Telecommunication Minister Shaza Fatima and Federal Secretary Zarrar Hashim Khan. He also praised their teams for developing a monitoring system and digital dashboard. These tools aim to improve transparency and track the programme’s implementation.
Separate call centres have also been established for consumers and petrol pump operators. These centres will provide information and help resolve complaints related to the scheme. Shehbaz Sharif directed officials to take strict action against petrol pumps denying relief to eligible citizens. The cancellation of licences will be considered against outlets violating the programme’s requirements.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar attended the meeting. Federal ministers Ahad Khan Cheema, Musadik Malik and Muhammad Aurangzeb were also present. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik attended as well.
Other participants included Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kiani and Special Assistant Tariq Bajwa. Special Assistant on Energy Lieutenant General (retired) Zafar Iqbal also attended. Several senior government officials were present.
The government launched the Fuel Relief Programme in September amid rising petroleum prices. It announced a subsidy of Rs100 per litre to support low- and middle-income households. Motorcycle, rickshaw and Qingqi owners can receive subsidised petrol for up to 20 litres monthly. Owners of eligible vehicles with engines up to 800cc can receive relief on 30 litres.
Petroleum dealers initially raised concerns about the reimbursement process. However, the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association later agreed to implement the scheme after government discussions.
In other news read more about PM Apna Ghar Program Disburses Over Rs. 100 Billion In Housing Loans
The government subsequently simplified registration and eligibility requirements. It also introduced a complaint system for consumers and petrol pump operators. The latest directive aims to ensure that registered citizens receive the announced fuel relief. Authorities will continue monitoring petrol pumps and the distribution process across the country.
