The federal government has started transferring transport subsidies through digital wallets, marking the first phase of a new digital payment system aimed at supporting the transport sector.
Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja confirmed that the subsidy is now being disbursed directly into verified digital wallets, with the move aimed at ensuring transparency and faster delivery of relief.
For the rollout of the scheme, transport data was obtained from provincial excise departments and forwarded by the Ministry of IT to the State Bank of Pakistan. Under the arrangement, the federal government has begun subsidy transfers for trucks, buses, and other heavy transport vehicles.
Officials said the digital wallet system will serve as the primary channel for payments to the transport sector.
The decision was finalized during a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, where all provinces agreed to participate in the subsidy mechanism.
Under the broader framework, provinces will also contribute to subsidy transfers. Motorcyclists and farmers will receive direct subsidies from provincial governments, while the federal government will provide support for freight vehicles, buses, and large transport units.
The subsidy package includes Rs. 100 per litre for motorcyclists and substantial monthly support for transport vehicles. Public service buses will receive Rs. 100,000 per month to help prevent an increase in fares, while cargo trucks and goods transport vehicles will receive between Rs. 70,000 and Rs. 80,000 per month.
The government has also decided to expand the scope of subsidies for the transport sector.
The scheme will not remain limited to the provinces, as transport operators in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan will also be included. In addition, the federal government will provide subsidy support to motorcyclists in the federation, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The IT minister said the federal government has taken the lead by initiating subsidy transfers first, with all payments being made through digital wallets as part of a push toward digital governance and targeted financial relief.
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Why should transporters only received the subsidy? Why? The higher cost of oil does not affect them because they raise their fares every now and then, even without any reason. In such crisis situations, they charge as they like.
The government only cares for the groups that can come on the roads in protest. It is not bothered about the public.
Mujh zarorat ha khu ka bacha cohr kar ana hota han or mare itna hissab nhi hota ka patrol lon hum to ik time khana khata han or bohat mushkil sa guajara kar raha han
Atleast, the news poster should be educated enough to mention the name of digital application which people can download and utilize the scheme. But kia karain, hain na Pakistani jahil.