Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered free SMS registration for the government’s petrol subsidy scheme targeting motorcycles, rickshaws and small vehicles.
The decision was announced during a high-level meeting reviewing the launch of the PM Special Relief Scheme.
Free SMS Registration Ordered
The prime minister directed authorities to ensure that citizens do not pay charges for the SMS required to register for the fuel subsidy.
The scheme aims to support low-income and middle-class citizens facing higher petrol prices.
Eligible motorcycles, rickshaws and vehicles with engine capacities of up to 800cc can benefit from the relief scheme.
Over 42,000 Applicants Already Registered
Officials told the meeting that more than 600,000 SMS messages had been received from the Islamabad region by Monday afternoon.
A total of 42,933 applicants had successfully completed registration.
Applicants only need to provide four details. These include their CNIC number, vehicle registration number, province and vehicle registration date.
The government has also launched a dedicated website containing information about the scheme.
Petrol Relief Begins Across Pakistan
The scheme is scheduled to begin in Islamabad early Tuesday, September 15.
Eligible motorists across Pakistan, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, will receive the petrol relief from the night of September 16 to 17.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also ordered a nationwide awareness campaign through print, television, digital and social media platforms.
He directed Islamabad’s administration and volunteers across the country to assist citizens with registration and other required formalities.
The government said the initiative is designed to ensure that the fuel relief reaches as many eligible citizens as possible.
