ISLAMABAD: The government has introduced major changes to the PM Fuel Relief Scheme, extending eligibility for older motorcycles, removing the five-litre petrol limit per token for two- and three-wheelers, and making SMS services free for all beneficiaries.
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima announced the changes during a media briefing on Saturday, saying the measures were aimed at making the scheme more accessible and addressing difficulties reported by citizens.
PM Fuel Relief Scheme Expands Relief for Two- and Three-Wheeler Users
Under the revised eligibility criteria, motorcycles registered from January 1, 2006, will qualify for the scheme, replacing the previous 2011 cut-off.
The government has also removed the five-litre fuel limit attached to each token for eligible motorcycles, Qingqis and rickshaws. Users can now purchase petrol according to their requirements while receiving a Rs500 relief amount per token.
Eligible two- and three-wheeler users can receive four tokens each month. For instance, if two litres of petrol cost Rs780, the beneficiary would pay Rs280 after applying the Rs500 relief token.
Fatima said SMS charges had also been abolished across the scheme. The service will remain free for users of both two- and three-wheelers and cars.
More than 1.75 million registrations had been completed by 3pm, while around 1.5 million tokens had been generated and over 680,000 redeemed at petrol stations, according to the minister.
The government is monitoring registration and token redemption, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is personally overseeing implementation. A steering committee headed by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and an implementation committee are working with relevant ministries, departments, OGRA, the State Bank of Pakistan and other institutions to address implementation issues.
A 24-hour control room has also been established at the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication to handle complaints.
Registration and Token Process
Applicants can register by sending an SMS to 9771 containing their CNIC number, vehicle registration number, province code and vehicle registration date. The vehicle registration number must be entered without spaces.
Eligible motorcycle, Qingqi and rickshaw users can send “TOK” to 9771 once a week to receive their fuel relief token, while car users can obtain tokens according to the prescribed schedule.
Fatima clarified that ownership of a motorcycle, Qingqi or rickshaw is not mandatory if the applicant has the relevant vehicle documents and custody. The registration date was added as an additional verification measure to prevent unauthorised vehicle registrations.
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The minister also said the registration and complaint system would continue through ordinary SMS so that people without smartphones or internet access could participate.
She urged citizens to remain cautious of fraud, stressing that the government charges no fee for registration, SMS or token issuance. Beneficiaries were advised not to share their CNIC numbers, vehicle registration details or other personal information with unauthorised individuals.
Citizens and petrol station operators facing problems with registration, token validation or technical issues can contact the helpline at 9771.
Fatima said the government would continue reviewing public feedback and introduce further improvements where necessary.
