Pakistan May Expand Petrol Relief Programme to 20 Million Beneficiaries: Rana Sanaullah

ISLAMABAD:Federal Adviser on Political Affairs Senator Rana Sanaullah has said the government may increase the number of beneficiaries under its petrol relief programme to 20 million in the coming days, aiming to provide greater assistance to deserving citizens amid rising fuel prices.

Speaking at a press conference alongside Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Sanaullah said around 12.7 million people were currently receiving relief of Rs100 per litre on petrol.

He pointed out that the petroleum levy being criticised stood at Rs80 per litre, while the government was providing relief of Rs100 per litre to eligible consumers.

The relief programme currently covers motorcycles, rickshaws and vehicles with engine capacities of up to 800cc. Sanaullah said the number of beneficiaries could rise to 20 million in the coming days.

He appreciated Jamaat-e-Islami’s efforts and its commitment to providing relief to the public, adding that the government intended to expand assistance through a targeted mechanism to ensure that deserving people received maximum benefits.

### Global Crisis Driving Fuel Prices Up: Ahsan Iqbal

Addressing the same press conference, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said missiles and drones being deployed in the region were contributing to rising oil prices.

He explained that the situation involved not only higher oil prices but also increased transportation costs, while gas supplies had also been severely affected by regional tensions.

Iqbal said countries worldwide were mobilising resources to safeguard their economic futures, as a severe shock caused by a crisis could affect any economy.

He added that the government understood the impact of rising fuel prices on ordinary citizens and said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was concerned about reducing the difficulties faced by the public.

According to Iqbal, the increase in fuel prices was being driven by an international crisis beyond Pakistan’s control rather than by a government policy decision.

He said Pakistan was continuing its diplomatic efforts to help resolve the crisis and ease regional tensions.

### Pakistan Pursuing Diplomatic Efforts to Ease Tensions

Iqbal recalled Pakistan’s earlier diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran, which he said had received international appreciation.

He added that Field Marshal Asim Munir had again initiated diplomatic efforts, bringing together countries associated with the Makkah agreement in Tehran to help reduce regional tensions and bring oil prices down.

### Government, Jamaat-e-Islami Agree on Relief Measures

Iqbal said the government had briefed a Jamaat-e-Islami delegation on the prevailing situation, and the delegation had also presented proposals that were given due consideration.

He announced that the government and Jamaat-e-Islami had agreed on the need to provide relief to the public amid rising fuel prices.

A committee will be formed to examine the possibility of expanding the scope of the fuel relief programme to cover more people.

The government will also consider gradually eliminating the petroleum levy in the upcoming federal budget, Iqbal added.

Clarify who made each statementRemove repeated beneficiary details