Hamza Shehbaz says the government will continue efforts to ensure every eligible citizen can access fuel relief without digital or informational barriers.
Former Punjab chief minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Hamza Shehbaz reviewed the Prime Minister’s special fuel relief scheme and called for further measures to ensure that eligible citizens are not excluded because of a lack of information or difficulties with digital registration.
Speaking at a review meeting, Hamza Shehbaz said the purpose of the relief program was not merely to announce assistance but to ensure that its benefits reached every eligible household.
“States will reach out to citizens who are unable to access the system themselves,” he said, stressing the need to facilitate people who may face difficulties in using digital services.
Hamza Shehbaz said more than 2.8 million registrations had been recorded under the scheme, with more than 1.5 million people benefiting from the relief. He said efforts would continue until the assistance reached every eligible citizen.
He said the fuel relief was intended as practical support for ordinary people during a difficult period and reiterated that low- and middle-income families using motorcycles, rickshaws, Qingqis and small cars should be able to benefit from the scheme.
According to Hamza Shehbaz, the prime minister has directed authorities to expand the scheme and simplify its procedures in light of public feedback. Registration through SMS to 9771 has also been made completely free to facilitate applicants.
The scheme has further been expanded to include motorcycles, Qingqis and rickshaws that are up to 20 years old. The five-liter petrol requirement for motorcycles, Qingqis and rickshaws has also been removed. Under the revised mechanism, eligible users are receiving Rs 500 in relief against a weekly token.
Hamza Shehbaz directed authorities to establish information camps and help desks to provide practical assistance to citizens. He particularly called for easier registration and access to relief for elderly people, less-educated citizens and those unfamiliar with digital systems.
He also directed that daily IT and data monitoring be conducted to track registrations, token issuance and use of the relief. He said the scheme should continue to be improved based on public feedback so that assistance could reach more eligible families in the coming days.
Federal Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Prime Minister’s Adviser Dr. Syed Tauqir Shah attended the meeting. Representatives of the provincial governments also participated.
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