PM Shehbaz announces Rs70,000 monthly subsidy for transporters to curb price hikes

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday announced a series of subsidies to help control the rising prices of essential goods, particularly in the transportation sector.

In response to the recent hike in fuel prices, the government has introduced a monthly subsidy for various transport categories: trucks will receive Rs70,000, passenger buses Rs100,000, mini-buses and wagons Rs40,000, cargo vehicles Rs80,000, and delivery vans Rs35,000.

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The subsidies aim to ease the transportation cost burden, and they will be distributed through digital wallets to ensure transparency.

The prime minister also stressed that transporters would not be allowed to increase fares, with penalties for those who attempt to do so.

Additionally, the Balochistan government has contributed its share to the national relief package, with the hope that other provinces will follow.

Over the past three weeks, the government has provided Rs129 billion in public relief to assist citizens facing economic difficulties.

Efforts also include a reduction in petrol levy by Rs80 per litre and a Rs6 billion subsidy by Pakistan Railways to prevent an increase in fares for passenger trains and cargo freight.