The Pakistani government has completed development of a new petrol subsidy app to provide affordable fuel to low-income citizens.
The app, created by the Pakistan Digital Authority under the Ministry of IT and Telecom, is now in its final testing phase and could be launched soon.
The main aim is to give targeted relief to poor families, especially owners of motorcycles and three-wheelers (rickshaws), amid rising fuel prices. Users will register through the app using their CNIC number.
The system will check their details against the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) database and past relief records to confirm eligibility. Once approved, people will receive a fixed monthly quota of subsidised petrol.
The app works with a digital voucher system. Eligible users can generate a voucher on their phone. At petrol pumps, retailers will scan a QR code or enter the voucher to release the cheap fuel through special nozzles. This method helps stop misuse and ensures only deserving people get the benefit.
Authorities have already tested the full process, including user registration, identity checks, quota limits, and security features. Load testing was also done to make sure the system works smoothly for large numbers of users.
The government plans to install around 24,000 special mobile devices at nearly 12,000 petrol stations across the country for smooth operation.
This digital step is expected to bring transparency and save government money by removing general fuel subsidies.
A final decision on the exact quota and whether to include small cars up to 800cc will be taken soon.
