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PM reviews progress on Fuel Relief Scheme

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Thursday chaired a review meeting regarding the progress of the Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme.

Under the scheme, fuel subsidies are being provided to owners of motorcycles, rickshaws, and vehicles with engine capacities of up to 800cc.

The Prime Minister reiterated commitment to providing relief to low-income and middle-class segments amidst rising petroleum prices.

He said citizens are benefiting from the fuel subsidy due to the government’s timely measures.

“It is gratifying that over 7.5 million citizens have benefited from the relief scheme in the short period since September 15,” he said and commended the performance of the entire government team in implementing the fuel subsidy scheme.

He said the fuel subsidy scheme was an excellent example of effective, coordinated cooperation and joint efforts by the entire government machinery.

He appreciated the efforts of the Deputy Prime Minister, IT Minister, Information Minister, Minister for Economic Affairs, Finance Minister, OGRA, and all federal and provincial officials associated with the scheme.

He said the robust database developed through the fuel subsidy scheme will also be utilized to assist citizens in the future.

The Prime Minister was briefed on the progress of the fuel subsidy scheme during the meeting.

Under the fuel subsidy scheme, over 8.4 million individuals have registered so far, and more than 7.5 million citizens have benefited from the scheme.

Out of the 12.2 million tokens issued since the launch of the petrol subsidy, 10.3 million have been utilized.

The scheme launched on September 15 is now entering its third week and citizens who availed the fuel subsidy in the first and second rounds will now be able to claim the subsidy for the upcoming week.

Implementation of the petrol subsidy scheme is underway across 129 districts nationwide, with all petrol pumps facilitating citizens under the program.

A round-the-clock call center has been established to provide guidance to citizens and petrol pump owners.

The Public Affairs Unit of the Prime Minister’s Office and public representatives are assisting citizens with registration.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Ahad Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Ali Pervaiz Malik and Muhammad Aurangzeb; Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant Tariq Bajwa, and senior officials from relevant institutions.

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Health minister orders probe into Sindh MDCAT complaints

ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has taken notice of alleged irregularities in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) held in Sindh and ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the complaints.

According to official sources, the minister directed a five-member committee, including the President of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), to conduct a transparent investigation and submit its report within 15 days.

The committee has been tasked with examining the complaints and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the alleged irregularities during the examination, sources said.

The minister directed the committee to complete the inquiry within the stipulated timeframe and present its findings for further action in accordance with the applicable rules.

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CDA chairman directs faster work on Expressway East project

ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Sohail Ashraf has directed officials to accelerate work on the Islamabad Expressway Service Road East project while ensuring strict compliance with approved designs and construction standards.

During an inspection of the project on Saturday, the chairman reviewed progress and was briefed on ongoing works and the next phase of development.

He directed the project director and relevant departments to maintain continuous field monitoring and quality control and ensure effective traffic management to minimise inconvenience to commuters.

The chairman described the Expressway East project as an important infrastructure scheme for improving connectivity, traffic flow and road capacity in the capital. He also stressed that construction quality should not be compromised in efforts to meet the project timeline.

During the visit, he was also briefed on an ongoing enforcement operation against unauthorised and illegal construction along the Islamabad Expressway.

According to the CDA, 377 buildings have been identified for action, including 281 commercial structures. So far, 58 buildings have been sealed, while 124 buildings between Sohan and Khanna bridges have been marked for demolition.

The authority said Rs234.685 million had been recovered through land-use conversion, unauthorised construction and de-sealing charges. Around Rs3 billion remained recoverable under applicable regulations in connection with land-use conversion and violations relating to unauthorised construction, setbacks, floor area ratio and covered area.

The chairman directed the relevant departments to ensure strict enforcement of building-control and land-use regulations, particularly mandatory fire-safety requirements.

The enforcement operation is being conducted by the CDA’s Building Control Section and Enforcement Directorate in coordination with the district administration and Islamabad police.

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GB ministers call on Governor Kundi

PESHAWAR: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday held a meeting with a delegation of Gilgit-Baltistan ministers at the Governor’s House here and discussed the country’s political situation and other matters of mutual interest.

The delegation comprised Gilgit-Baltistan Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Zulfiqar Ali Murad, Minister for Health Iqbal Hassan and Minister for Education Aman Ali Ameer.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the prevailing political situation in the country and various issues of mutual interest. They also discussed the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and the Pakistan Peoples Party’s success in the polls.

The visiting ministers were taken on a tour of the Governor’s House. Governor Kundi presented them with traditional shawls and caps.