Shehbaz seeks early provincial subsidy share

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday urged provincial governments to provide their respective shares for the subsidy package at the earliest, expressing hope that all federating units would support the national relief effort. He made these remarks while chairing a meeting to review progress on the implementation of subsidies on petroleum products amid the ongoing crisis triggered by a war raging in the Gulf. The prime minister said the government is taking, and will continue to take, all possible measures to provide relief to the public during these challenging times. The meeting was briefed on the progress of subsidy provision, as well as on the country's fuel reserves and consumption. He said passenger buses are being provided a monthly subsidy of Rs100,000, while minibuses and wagons are receiving Rs40,000 per month to prevent an increase in fares. To control the rise in prices of essential food items, every truck is being given Rs70,000, every large freight vehicle Rs80,000, and every delivery van Rs35,000 per month as subsidy, he added. The prime minister said that, to ensure transparency, these amounts are being disbursed through digital wallets. He directed the immediate release of subsidy funds, which began on Saturday, even though the subsidy was originally scheduled for Monday. For this subsidy, all provincial governments have shared details of trucks, buses, and freight vehicles with the federal government. He noted that the Government of Balochistan has already deposited its allocated amount for the national package, terming the move commendable, and thanked Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti. The prime minister said a public relief package worth Rs129 billion has been provided over the past three weeks, adding that the government cannot leave the public alone in this difficult time. He further stated that immediate relief was provided by reducing the petroleum levy by Rs80 per litre. Pakistan Railways is providing a subsidy of Rs6 billion, due to which there has been no increase in fares of passenger and freight trains, he added. He also noted that the quarterly 25% increase in toll tax has been withdrawn. The meeting was informed that sufficient fuel reserves are available in the country to meet national requirements. The Intelligence Bureau presented a report on implementing government austerity and simplicity measures. Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Sunday announced that the government secured a province-wide fare freeze after successful negotiations with transporters. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government on Sunday also launched the Ehsaas Fuel Support Programme, under which motorcycle, scooter, and rickshaw owners will be given Rs2,000. "A sum of Rs2,000 will be provided to motorcycle, scooter, and rickshaw owners under the Ehsaas Shafi Jan.