The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has scaled up its Ramzan relief efforts, announcing that over 1.05 million people have received assistance under the provincial relief package, with 82 percent coverage achieved so far. Addressing a press conference here, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information, Shafi Jan, said the remaining beneficiaries would be covered soon, adding that criticism by the opposition was unjustified as the government was delivering tangible relief amid challenging economic conditions.

He said the government has introduced a special two-month relief package for motorcyclists, one of the most affected segments due to rising fuel prices. Under the initiative, he said registered motorcyclists will receive Rs1,100 per month in fuel support, totaling Rs2,200, with over Rs3 billion allocated for the programme benefiting more than 1.6 million people. He added that the government has not increased fares of the Bus Rapid Transit system and has imposed a ban on the purchase of new vehicles to reduce expenditures.

Meanwhile, Provincial Finance Minister Muzzammil Aslam said that rising fuel prices have placed a heavy burden on the public, noting that significant increases in petrol rates have led to substantial additional financial outflows from consumers. He said the province’s financial position has improved, adding that while previously resources were barely sufficient for a few weeks’ salaries, the government is now in a position to cover several months of expenditures.

Commenting on Afghan refugees, the minister said there are currently 43 refugee camps in the province. He added that while the repatriation decision was taken by the Federal government, the provincial government facilitated the process by providing over Rs1 billion in transport support. He further said the government aims to transition towards a cashless and paperless economy within the next two years, while maintaining control over provincial debt and avoiding new borrowing.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)