Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has unveiled a targeted petrol relief programme to cushion citizens from the financial pressure caused by soaring fuel prices amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and a sharp rise in international oil rates.
Speaking about the initiative on Sunday, the prime minister said eligible motorcycle riders, rickshaw and Qingqi rickshaw operators, along with owners of vehicles having engines of up to 800cc, would receive a subsidy of Rs100 per litre on petrol.
Under the scheme, people using motorcycles, rickshaws, Qingqi rickshaws and other qualifying two- and three-wheelers will be entitled to the Rs100-per-litre relief for a maximum of 20 litres of petrol each month.
Owners of cars with engine capacities of up to 800cc, meanwhile, will receive the same relief on up to 30 litres per month.
PM Shehbaz said the programme would first be introduced in Islamabad Capital Territory during the night between Monday and Tuesday.
The facility would subsequently be rolled out across the country, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan, during the night between Wednesday and Thursday.
The registration process for the relief programme has already commenced. The government will inform citizens about the registration mechanism and other relevant details through a dedicated public awareness campaign.
The prime minister said the government understands the financial difficulties people are experiencing as a result of higher petroleum prices and stressed that the state would stand by the public during the current challenging situation.
PM Shehbaz also appreciated the provincial governments for extending their cooperation and sharing information about motorcycles, rickshaws and small vehicles to support the registration process under the scheme.