City Desk
ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has appreciated the collective efforts of federal and provincial governments and relevant institutions as beneficiaries of the government’s fuel subsidy scheme crossed 10 million. He announced a national award for Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja in recognition of her contributions.
Speaking at a high tea hosted to acknowledge officials involved in implementing the programme, the prime minister said the initiative would continue, with Rs75 billion allocated for its implementation. He thanked provincial governments and chief ministers for their cooperation, describing the scheme’s progress as an example of effective teamwork.
Shehbaz said more than 10.8 million citizens had registered, while approximately 27 million subsidy tokens had been issued. Around 19.4 million tokens had been redeemed to purchase fuel at subsidised rates. Nearly 96 per cent of beneficiaries were motorcyclists, while eligible rickshaw, Qingqi and small-car owners also benefited.
Considering an average household size of five, the prime minister estimated that approximately 50 million people were benefiting directly or indirectly.
He acknowledged the contributions of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, federal secretaries, provincial officials, NADRA, OGRA, the State Bank and other institutions. Other contributors will also receive appreciation shields.
