Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said providing relief to the common man amid rising fuel prices and regional tensions remains the government’s foremost priority, as he chaired a high-level meeting to review petroleum reserves and relief measures.

The meeting was briefed that adequate stocks of petroleum products are available to meet the country’s needs, even as prices have surged in recent weeks.

Addressing participants, the prime minister said the government would not leave citizens alone in difficult times.

“Relief for the common man is our top priority. Savings from austerity measures will be spent on the public,” he said, adding that efforts are underway to extend support to economically vulnerable segments at the earliest.

He announced that the provision of subsidies through digital wallets has begun for public transport operators and goods carriers. Under the system, financial assistance is being transferred directly to buses, wagons, trucks and other goods vehicles through a “transparent and effective mechanism”.

Officials also briefed the meeting on progress in implementing relief measures designed to offset the impact of higher petroleum prices.

Centre, provinces agree on subsidy-sharing formula

Separately, sources said the federal and provincial governments have agreed on a joint funding mechanism to provide subsidies to the transport sector.

Under the arrangement, provinces have accepted the federal government’s request to share the financial burden, leading to the creation of a joint financial pool. The federal government is expected to contribute over Rs129 billion, while provinces will collectively add Rs40-50 billion.

A “one-window operation” plan has been finalised to streamline subsidy disbursement through digital channels. The Ministry of IT and the State Bank of Pakistan have been tasked with ensuring smooth fund transfers.

The prime minister has directed provinces to provide verified data of eligible beneficiaries. Under the plan, owners of public transport, small and large vehicles, and goods carriers will receive financial assistance from the federal share.

Provinces will separately handle subsidies for agriculture, motorcycles and rickshaws.

The meeting was attended by federal ministers Attaullah Tarar, Dr Musadik Malik, Ali Pervaiz Malik, Special Assistant Talha Burki, and senior officials.