Fuel subsidy portal shut temporarily in Karachi after hacking attempts

Soon after launch of portal, the users reported technical difficulties, with thousands unable to access or register on the portal as it remained down for several hours

KARACHI: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-April 8^th, 2026) Sindh Excise Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla on Tuesday said the online system introduced for motorcycle fuel subsidies was briefly taken offline after facing repeated hacking attempts.

The digital platform had been launched a day earlier by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, enabling registered motorcyclists to apply for a Rs2,000 fuel subsidy by providing their CNIC and bank account details through an online portal, which was designed to issue automatic confirmations upon successful submission.

Soon after its launch, the users reported technical difficulties, with thousands unable to access or register on the portal as it remained down for several hours.

Speaking at a press conference, the excise minister confirmed that the system had been targeted by cyber intrusion attempts but stated that it was secured and brought back online. He added that registration services were now functioning without disruption.

He shared that approximately 15,000 users had registered their motorcycles, around 3,000 had completed applications for the subsidy, and payments of Rs2,000 each had already been disbursed to 1,500 beneficiaries via Sindh Bank accounts.

Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the province has about 6.7 million registered motorcycles, whose owners will be eligible to receive monthly financial support of Rs2,000 under the programme.

Separately, the provincial government has unveiled a Rs35 billion relief package aimed at assisting low-income groups. Priority has been given to small farmers, with those owning less than 25 acres receiving Rs1,500 per acre based on verified data from the Benazir Hari Card, with payments processed through Sindh Bank.

The officials also noted that additional subsidies have been introduced for individuals relying on public transport as part of broader welfare measures.