Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered free SMS for the registration of the fuel subsidy scheme.
- The scheme aims to provide relief to low-income and middle-class citizens affected by rising petrol prices.
- Registration will begin in Islamabad on September 15, with nationwide launch on September 16-17.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed that the SMS required to register for the government’s fuel subsidy scheme be provided free of charge. This directive was issued during a high-level meeting to review the launch of the PM Special Relief Scheme for motorcycles, rickshaws, and vehicles with engines up to 800cc.
The scheme is designed to provide relief to low-income and middle-class citizens who have been affected by the rising prices of petrol. The prime minister emphasized the importance of ensuring that the scheme reaches as many deserving citizens as possible through a broad awareness campaign.
Officials reported that more than 600,000 SMS messages had been received in the Islamabad region by Monday afternoon, with 42,933 applicants successfully registering. Applicants are required to provide only four details: their Computerized National Identity Card number, vehicle number plate, province of registration, and vehicle registration date.
Complete details of the scheme are available on the Urdu language website, [www.pmfuelrelief.pk](http://www.pmfuelrelief.pk). The scheme will launch in Islamabad early Tuesday, September 15, while eligible motorists nationwide, including those in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, will receive petrol relief from the night of September 16 to 17.
The prime minister also directed Islamabad’s administration and volunteers across the country to help citizens complete registration and other formalities. The meeting was attended by key ministers and officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.
The PM Special Relief Scheme is part of the government’s efforts to address the economic challenges faced by citizens, particularly those in the lower and middle-income brackets. The scheme aims to provide a financial cushion to those who are struggling with the increasing cost of living.
The launch of the scheme is expected to benefit a significant number of citizens, with the government aiming to ensure that the process is as smooth and accessible as possible. The free SMS service is a key component of this effort, making the registration process more convenient for those who may not have access to the internet or other digital tools.
