The Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet has approved 75 billion rupees for the Prime Minister's Fuel Relief Scheme.
The ECC accorded the approval at its meeting held in Islamabad today with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in the chair.
The scheme envisages provision of targeted relief to lower-income segments in the wake of increased petroleum prices.
Under the scheme, two and three-wheelers will receive relief of 500 rupees per week, equivalent to 5 litres at 100 rupees per litre, while cars up to 800cc will receive relief of 1,000 rupees for ten days, based on 30 litres per month at 100 rupees per litre.
The scheme will be restricted to non-commercial users, with relief limited to one vehicle per user or owner.
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom will deploy and manage the Fuel Pass System for digital management and transparent delivery of the relief.
The targeted and digitally managed mechanism is aimed at ensuring that the benefit reaches eligible consumers efficiently while strengthening transparency and accountability in implementation.
The ECC considered a summary regarding permission for export of 200,000 metric tonnes of surplus sugar. It approved the recommendations of the Steering Committee on Sugar, including appropriate safeguards to maintain domestic price stability in the local market.
The committee also considered a summary regarding provision of three billion rupees for the purchase of 15 bullet-proof sedan vehicles for use during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's (SCO) Council Summit, to be hosted by Pakistan in Islamabad in September next year. The vehicles were found necessary for fool-proof security of Heads of State.
The ECC noted the importance of the event and emphasized the need for timely and comprehensive preparations to ensure secure and appropriate transport arrangements. The high-profile arrangements observed during the recent Heads of State SCO Summit in Kyrgyzstan were also discussed and appreciated as worth following.
In another decision, the ECC approved the export of 200,000 metric tonnes of surplus sugar, while directing that safeguards be put in place to help stabilise domestic prices. The matter concerning the commercial import of used vehicles was deferred.
The ECC also approved the purchase of 15 bulletproof vehicles for the 2027 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government Summit and sanctioned a Rs3 billion technical supplementary grant for the summit.
Pakistan is scheduled to host the SCO Council of Heads of Government Summit in Islamabad in September 2027.
In a related development, the Prime Minister’s Office said the fuel subsidy scheme would be launched for residents of Islamabad on the night between September 14 and 15. Petrol relief will become available across the country, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, from the night between September 16 and 17.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed that the SMS service required for registration be provided free of charge. He also ordered authorities to provide guidance to the public on registration and other procedures.
The prime minister directed the mobilisation of public representatives and volunteers across the country to assist people with registration. He also ordered an extensive awareness campaign through print, electronic, digital and social media.
The PMO said more than 600,000 SMS messages had been received in the Islamabad region since the launch of the scheme up to Monday afternoon, with 42,933 applicants successfully registered.
Applicants are required to provide four basic details for registration: their CNIC number, vehicle number plate, province of registration and vehicle registration date.
The ECC also approved a framework for restructuring the ownership and administrative control of the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC).
It approved a draft upgrade agreement for the modernisation of existing oil refineries, with a five-year timeframe set for completion of the projects.
The committee also approved a proposal to settle financial matters involving oil marketing companies.
In another decision, the ECC approved the export of 200,000 metric tonnes of surplus sugar, while directing that safeguards be put in place to help stabilise domestic prices.
The matter concerning the commercial import of used vehicles was deferred.
The ECC also approved the purchase of 15 bulletproof vehicles for the 2027 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government Summit and sanctioned a Rs3 billion technical supplementary grant for the summit.
Pakistan is scheduled to host the SCO Council of Heads of Government Summit in Islamabad in September 2027.