ISLAMABAD: Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has said the Prime Minister’s Special Fuel Relief Scheme aims to provide immediate assistance to people most affected by rising oil prices.
He said the scheme targets genuine beneficiaries and does not cover large vehicles.
Motorcycles, rickshaws, Qingqi vehicles and cars with engines up to 800cc will qualify for the relief, Tarar said.
The minister made the remarks at a press conference on Monday. Federal Ministers Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Ali Pervaiz Malik also attended the briefing.
Digital System Introduced for Fuel Relief
Tarar said the government has introduced a transparent digital system for the first time under the scheme.
He explained that eligible people can register through SMS.
Applicants must type REG, followed by a space, their national identity card number, vehicle registration number, provincial code and vehicle registration date.
They must then send the message to 9771.
After registration, applicants can send TOK to 9771 to request permission to obtain fuel. An authorization message will then be sent to eligible applicants.
Tarar said the system aims to ensure that only genuine beneficiaries receive the relief.
War Room and Call Centre Set Up
The prime minister has directed all relevant ministries and institutions to remain available around the clock.
The aim is to ensure effective monitoring and uninterrupted public services under the scheme.
A war room has also been established to monitor implementation. A call centre is operating to guide members of the public.
Tarar said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is using all available media platforms to raise public awareness.
Eligible people will also receive information through SMS messages.
Provinces Included in Steering Committee
Tarar said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is personally monitoring the relief scheme.
On his instructions, chief secretaries from all four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan have joined the scheme’s steering committee.
The prime minister has also assigned the deputy prime minister to consult with the provinces.
Tarar said the government has directed price control mechanisms and committees to ensure that fares do not increase after the scheme begins.
He said the measures should also provide maximum relief to passengers who use rickshaws and Qingqi vehicles.
Government Continues Austerity Measures
Tarar said the government is continuing austerity measures on the prime minister’s instructions.
Markets and restaurants are being closed at designated times, he said.
Some austerity measures introduced during an earlier emergency remain in place. The government is reviewing other measures and will decide soon which ones should return.
Tarar Criticises PTI Government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Responding to a question, Tarar criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He said the provincial government should present examples of model governance.
Tarar said it should show targeted subsidies for poor people, high-quality hospitals, universities and educational institutions established during its tenure.
He described PTI’s calls for protests as lacking a clear demand.
Tarar challenged the party to identify even one major model project completed during its time in power in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He said the PTI has governed the province for about 12 and a half years. However, he argued that no major initiative had emerged that could serve as an international model of governance.
Minister Highlights Federal Development Projects
Tarar highlighted projects such as Daanish Schools and the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI) in Punjab.
He said students from Daanish Schools are now serving in the armed forces. Others have become doctors and engineers.
Tarar also criticised PTI’s earlier opposition to the Metro Bus project. He noted that the party later launched a Metro Bus service in Peshawar.
He said federal reforms, including those linked to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), have received international recognition.
Tarar added that Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts have also received global appreciation.
Tax Relief for Salaried Class
Tarar said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had promised relief for salaried workers before the federal budget.
He said the government reduced tax rates across salary tax slabs.
According to Tarar, employees with lower salaries now face a tax rate of less than one percent.
He added that exporters have also welcomed the budget.
The minister said reforms carried out under the International Monetary Fund programme have created greater economic space.
He attributed the reforms to the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and said some of the resulting relief has reached lower-income groups.
LNG Disruptions Affect Power Supply
Tarar said the war situation has affected aircraft movement and disrupted the supply of regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG).
He said the disruption contributed to power outages.
However, he said the prime minister has directed authorities to limit load-shedding to a maximum of two hours.
Tarar described recent reforms in the power sector as historic.
He said the government would not allow load-shedding to increase further.
Government Continues Power Sector Reforms
Tarar said the government has created additional space in the power sector by resolving issues involving independent power producers (IPPs).
He said further reforms are still underway.
The minister added that the prime minister took a personal interest in the solar power issue and helped bring the debate to a conclusion.
According to Tarar, the government is now focusing on wider power sector reforms.
He expressed confidence that the electricity situation would improve further once the current crisis ends.
