Sindh disburses Rs146.77m to 3,976 vehicles under fuel subsidy scheme

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said on Monday that 3,976 vehicles had been processed so far under the fuel subsidy scheme, with Rs146.77 million released, while more than 5,000 cases remained under review because of documentation and data-related issues.

The update was shared during a meeting at the Chief Minister House to assess implementation of the targeted fuel subsidy for the transport sector, which was introduced after the recent increase in fuel prices. Murad Ali Shah chaired the meeting and instructed the relevant authorities to speed up payments and improve verification and enforcement arrangements.

According to details presented in the meeting, the programme is being financed jointly by the federal and provincial governments and is intended to support goods transporters and public service vehicles. Sindh has so far submitted data for 11,980 eligible vehicles.

Officials informed the meeting that, of these, 3,976 vehicles had been processed and Rs146.77m had been disbursed. More than 5,000 cases were still being examined because of errors including CNIC mismatches, missing IBAN or bank account details, and other inconsistencies in the data.

Expressing concern over delays and returned cases, the chief minister directed all departments concerned to address the data problems on a priority basis so that eligible transporters could receive the 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 also directed the Transport and Excise departments to work closely with the federal authorities to clear pending cases and make the verification process more efficient.

Officials attend review meeting

The meeting was attended by Sindh Transport Minister Sharjeel Memon, Excise Minister Mukesh Chawla, Sindh 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.

Digital reforms highlighted

The meeting was also told that the transport department had begun major digital reforms. These include automation of the motor vehicle inspection, Provincial Transport Authority and Regional Transport Authority systems, along with integration with the Excise department, Traffic Police and National Highways & Motorway Police.

The chief minister appreciated the steps and called for further strengthening of the digital system. "Technology must be used to eliminate inefficiencies, improve transparency, and ensure effective regulation of the transport sector," he said.

Murad Ali Shah said stronger coordination among the transport, excise and law enforcement departments was necessary for effective implementation of both the subsidy programme and related regulatory measures.