In response to the recent surge in petroleum prices, the Sindh government on Friday unveiled a petrol relief package aimed at easing the burden on citizens.
At a press conference in Karachi, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah outlined several measures designed to support motorcyclists, farmers, and the transport sector amid rising fuel costs.
Financial Assistance for Motorcyclists
The Chief Minister announced that the Excise and Taxation Department has waived motorcycle ownership transfer fees. Additionally, every registered motorcyclist in Sindh will receive Rs2,000, directly transferred to their bank accounts.
Motorcyclists will need to register through a mobile application developed by the Excise Department, providing their CNIC and IBAN number. Those without an IBAN can submit alternative bank account details.
Motorcycles not registered in the owner’s name must be transferred within 15 days to qualify for the subsidy. Payments are expected to be disbursed between April 15 and April 20. Sindh has roughly 6.7 million registered motorcycles eligible for this relief.
Support for Small Farmers
Small farmers cultivating less than 25 acres will receive Rs1,500 per acre to help cover additional costs such as threshing. Approximately 336,000 farmers are expected to benefit from this subsidy.
Financial Support for Transport Sector
The government has also announced aid for the transport sector. Registered buses will receive Rs100,000 per month, while trucks will get between Rs70,000 and Rs80,000 per month, depending on their size. Only operational and tax-compliant vehicles are eligible.
Passenger buses operating on intercity and intracity routes will receive an additional Rs140,000 per month, on top of the Rs100,000 support. Bus operators benefiting from this subsidy are required not to increase fares.
Temporary Relief Initiative
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah emphasized that the measures are temporary, aimed at providing one-month relief to citizens during the ongoing rise in fuel prices.
Opposition Reaction
Meanwhile, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, Chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, condemned the petroleum price hike, calling it a “petrol bomb” against the public. He announced plans for a nationwide protest, urging citizens, particularly youth, to raise their voices against the fuel price increase.
Read more: PM announces petrol relief package for motorcyclists, small car owners
