Digital wallet relief payments begin: PM

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that money saved through government austerity and simplicity measures will be spent on the public. The premier chaired a meeting on Saturday to review petroleum reserves in the country and public relief measures amid recent regional tensions. He said, "Provision of relief funds to public transport and freight vehicle operators through digital wallets has been initiated." He added that, under an effective and transparent system, the digital transfer of subsidies to public transport buses and wagons, as well as goods transport trucks and freight vehicles, has begun. He said, "We are striving to ensure that relief reaches economically weaker segments as soon as possible." Sharif said, "We will not leave our people alone in difficult times." He maintained that providing relief to the common man in challenging circumstances was the government's top priority. The meeting apprised the Prime Minister of the progress in implementing public relief measures in view of the increase in petroleum product prices. The briefing stated that there are adequate reserves of petroleum products available to meet the country's needs. The meeting was also informed about progress in the implementation of public relief initiatives. Federal ministers Dr Musadik Masood Malik, Attaullah Tarar, Ali Pervaiz Malik, Special Assistant Talha Burki and other senior officials attended the meeting.