114 million poor families, comprising 85 million people, would be given Rs2000 per family
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that his government was launching a new relief package of Rs28 billion per month “to protect the poor from the burden of petrol and diesel price hike”.
His first address to the nation came a day after his government removed fuel subsidies and increased the price of petrol by Rs30 — the highest one-time petrol price hike.
PM Shehbaz said his government’s move to increase fuel prices was necessary to avoid Pakistan from facing bankruptcy.
Under the relief package, 14 million poor families, comprising 85 million people, would be given Rs2000 per family. He said this was in addition to the monetary assistance being given to them under the Benazir Income Support Programme.
Shehbaz Sharif said he has also directed Utility Stores to ensure the provision of a 10-kilogram flour bag at Rs400 across the country.