Islamabad: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting citizens from the impact of rising global fuel prices, emphasizing it as a top priority. Responding to a calling attention notice in the Senate, Aurangzeb detailed the government’s measures, including a 129 billion rupees subsidy on petroleum products during the initial phase of the Middle East conflict.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Finance Minister highlighted a transition to a targeted subsidy model, aimed at ensuring direct benefits to the public. Motorcyclists, the transport sector, and small-scale farmers were specifically shielded through this initiative. Approximately 800,000 bikers have benefitted, with 1.53 billion rupees disbursed so far.

Aurangzeb also noted the significant increase in revenue collection by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), which has nearly doubled from seven trillion rupees to almost thirteen trillion rupees under the current government’s efforts. The Senate session also addressed issues related to Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with Prime Minister’s Advisor on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, stating the government’s commitment to resolving issues through negotiation.

The Advisor mentioned that the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Supreme Court’s opinion validated the government’s stance on refugee seats. The Senate further passed five bills, including amendments related to motion pictures, travel agencies, tourist guides, hotels, and restaurants, and a repeal concerning the Pakistan International Airlines Corporation. The Senate is scheduled to reconvene on Friday at 5:30 p.m.