PM threatens to cancel licences of petrol pumps

ZULFIQAR AHMAD

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday directed the authorities to cancel the licences of petrol pumps that fail to facilitate registered beneficiaries under the government’s Fuel Relief Programme, signalling punitive action against outlets obstructing the delivery of subsidised fuel to deserving citizens.

The directive came as the Prime Minister was informed that more than 15.5 million people had registered for the programme, with Rs28.6 billion disbursed under the subsidy scheme as of November 4.

A meeting chaired by the prime minister reviewed the implementation of the programme, including registration, subsidy disbursements and measures to ensure transparency and facilitate beneficiaries.

According to an official briefing, a total of 15,519,282 citizens have registered under the scheme, including around 15.06 million motorcycle owners and 449,000 owners of vehicles with engine capacities of up to 800cc.

The programme has so far generated 63,153,685 fuel subsidy tokens, of which 59,445,347 have been redeemed, officials informed the meeting.

Sharif expressed satisfaction over the progress and transparency of the initiative, saying that simplification of registration and subsidy redemption procedures had helped boost enrolment and enabled more deserving citizens to benefit.

However, his directive to withdraw licences from petrol pumps failing to facilitate beneficiaries placed the responsibility for effective implementation squarely on fuel retailers, with the government signalling that non-compliance would not be tolerated.

The prime minister described the technology-based subsidy mechanism as a potential game-changer for future public welfare initiatives, stressing that transparent and accessible systems were essential to ensuring relief reached those who needed it most.

He commended Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima, Federal Secretary for IT and Telecommunication Zarar Hashim Khan and their team for developing a monitoring mechanism and dashboard to oversee the programme.

The meeting was also informed that separate call centres had been established for consumers and petrol pump operators to provide information about the scheme and address complaints.

Sharif stressed the need for effective implementation monitoring and transparency to ensure eligible citizens received the subsidy without unnecessary hurdles.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister AttaullahTarar, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, Minister for Climate Change Musadik Malik, State Minister for Finance Bilal Kiani, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Energy Lt Gen Zafar Iqbal (retd) and senior government officials attended the meeting.