Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a further one-month extension of subsidies for motorcyclists, public transport, and goods transport operators across the country.
The much-needed decision was taken to maintain continued relief for lower-income groups who depend on affordable transport for their daily movement and livelihoods.
As per the media reports, the Prime Minister has directed relevant authorities to prevent any increase in passenger fares and goods transport charges across the country.
Shehbaz Sharif also instructed officials to ensure effective monitoring of all public relief measures currently in place to guarantee their proper and timely implementation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government has provided a national relief package worth billions of rupees during the current difficult economic period.
He said the government will continue to provide relief to the public wherever possible, and that this commitment will be maintained going forward.
The Prime Minister stated that providing relief to ordinary citizens remains the government’s foremost priority amid ongoing economic and regional challenges facing Pakistan.
Shehbaz Sharif expressed hope that the situation in the region would improve soon, and added his prayers for an early return to stability.
It worth noting that the government is considering another petrol tax increase to boost revenues and satisfy IMF conditions, according to Finance Ministry sources.
Petroleum levy collections are already projected to surpass the Rs. 1,468 billion annual target, yet discussions continue about raising the levy further in upcoming months.
Last week, the government raised the petroleum levy by Rs. 27 per litre, exceeding Rs. 107, while IMF insists on subsidy removal and stricter fiscal discipline.
Fuel prices have surged sharply in recent months, driven mainly by taxation policies rather than international oil market fluctuations, worsening public burden amid regional instability.
