More than 10 million people in Pakistan have benefited from the government’s fuel subsidy programme, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced, highlighting the initiative’s reach among citizens facing fuel expenses.
According to the prime minister, more than 10.8 million people have registered for the scheme, while approximately 19.4 million subsidy tokens have been redeemed so far. The government has allocated Rs. 75 billion for the programme to provide financial relief to eligible vehicle owners.
The initiative primarily covers motorcyclists, rickshaw and Qingqi operators, as well as owners of cars with engine capacities of up to 800cc. These categories are among the groups targeted for support through the subsidy scheme.
Motorcyclists make up nearly 96% of the programme’s beneficiaries, making them the largest group receiving assistance. The figures highlight the importance of motorcycles for daily commuting and household transportation across the country.
The government estimates that around 50 million people are benefiting directly or indirectly from the initiative when household members are included. This estimate is based on average household sizes and reflects the wider reach of financial assistance provided to registered beneficiaries.
The programme is intended to ease fuel costs for eligible citizens amid pressure on household budgets. By directing support towards smaller vehicles and commonly used forms of transport, the scheme focuses on people who rely on these vehicles for commuting and daily activities.
The number of registrations and redeemed tokens provides an indication of the programme’s uptake. Its overall impact will also depend on how effectively the allocated funds reach eligible recipients and provide relief from rising transportation expenses.
