LAHORE: The federal government has begun disbursing subsidies to operators of public and goods transport under a new relief initiative aimed at stabilizing fares and easing pressure on food prices.
The move comes on the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who chaired a review meeting in Lahore on the implementation of the petroleum subsidy program amid recent regional tensions.
Addressing the meeting, the prime minister said passenger buses are receiving a monthly subsidy of Rs100,000, while minibuses and vans are being provided Rs40,000 per month to prevent fare increases.
He added that trucks are being given a monthly subsidy of Rs70,000, large goods vehicles Rs80,000, and delivery vans Rs35,000 to help control rising food prices.
To ensure transparency, the prime minister stated that the subsidies are being disbursed through digital wallets. He further noted that all provincial governments have submitted detailed records of trucks, buses, and goods vehicles to the federal government.
Commending the Government of Balochistan, Shehbaz Sharif said it has deposited its allocated funds for the national package and expressed hope that other provinces will follow suit promptly.
The prime minister highlighted that a public relief package worth Rs129 billion has been provided over the past three weeks. In addition, immediate relief has been extended to the public through a reduction of Rs80 per litre in the petroleum levy.
He further said Pakistan Railways is providing subsidies worth Rs6 billion, ensuring that fares for both passenger and goods trains remain unchanged. Moreover, the recently announced 25 percent quarterly increase in toll tax has been withdrawn.
The meeting was also informed that adequate fuel reserves are available nationwide to meet the country’s requirements.
An Intelligence Bureau report on the implementation of government austerity measures was also presented during the session.
