Fuel subsidy drive processes 3,976 vehicles, disburses Rs146.77m

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Apr, 2026) Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, while presiding over a meeting, noted that 3,976 vehicles have so far been processed under the fuel subsidy scheme, with Rs146.77 million disbursed and more than 5,000 cases were being reviewed due to errors such as CNIC mismatches, missing IBAN details, and data inconsistencies.

This emerged during his review of the implementation of the targeted fuel subsidy for the transport sector, introduced in response to the recent hike in fuel prices. The chief minister directed the authorities to expedite disbursements while strengthening data accuracy and enforcement mechanisms.

The meeting, held at CM House, was attended by Minister for Transport Sharjeel Memon, Minister for Excise Mukesh Chawla, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, PSCM Agha Wasif, Secretary IPC Asif Ikram, Secretary Finance Fayaz Jatoi, Secretary Transport Asad Zamin, Secretary Excise Saleem Rajput and other senior officials.

The Chief Minister was informed that the subsidy programme, jointly financed by the Federal and provincial governments, aims to support goods transporters and public service vehicles. Sindh has so far submitted data of 11,980 eligible vehicles.

The CM was told that 3,976 vehicles have so far been processed, with Rs146.77 million disbursed, while over 5,000 cases were being reviewed due to errors such as CNIC mismatches, missing IBAN details, and data inconsistencies.

Expressing concern over delays and returned cases, Murad Ali Shah directed all departments to resolve data issues on priority and ensure that maximum eligible transporters receive relief without further delay. “Relief must reach genuine transporters quickly. There should be zero tolerance for delays caused by incomplete or inaccurate data,” he said.

He instructed the Transport and Excise departments to coordinate closely with the federal authorities to address pending cases and streamline verification processes.

The meeting was told that the Transport Department has initiated major digital reforms, including automation of Motor Vehicle Inspection (MVI), Provincial Transport Authority (PTA), and Regional Transport Authority (RTA) systems, along with integration with Excise, Traffic Police and National Highways & Motorway Police.

The Chief Minister appreciated these efforts and directed further strengthening of the digital ecosystem. “Technology must be used to eliminate inefficiencies, improve transparency, and ensure effective regulation of the transport sector,” he said.

Murad Ali Shah also ordered strict enforcement of route permit and fitness certification requirements, noting that gaps in registration and weak enforcement have allowed many vehicles to operate.

Mr Shah directed that no vehicle should be registered or transferred without route permit verification, field enforcement through traffic police be intensified, and non-compliant vehicles face strict penalties “Rule of law must prevail. Vehicles operating without permits or fitness certificates will not be tolerated,” he asserted.

The Chief Minister highlighted that better coordination between Transport, Excise, and law enforcement agencies is essential for the effective implementation of subsidy and regulatory measures. He said ongoing automation and integration would help bring undocumented vehicles into the formal system, improve compliance, and ensure targeted delivery of government support.

Reaffirming his government’s commitment, Murad Ali Shah said the subsidy initiative is aimed at stabilising the transport sector and protecting the public from the impact of rising fuel costs.

“Our objective is to support transporters while ensuring transparency and accountability. Every eligible beneficiary must receive relief in a fair and timely manner,” he added.