Former provincial transport minister Ibrahim Murad has proposed introducing a special fuel card system to provide relief to students following the recent rise in petrol prices.
As per details, the proposal came after the federal government increased the price of petrol by Rs55 per litre, which has added financial pressure on many people, particularly students who rely on motorcycles for daily travel to educational institutions.
Murad suggested that a special “fuel card” program be introduced under which each student would receive 10 litres of subsidised petrol every month. The card will ease the burden of rising fuel costs and help students continue their education without facing transportation difficulties.
He said that implementing the scheme would cost around Rs 10 billion per month, but said it could directly benefit millions of students across the province.
The former minister stated that the recent increase in petrol prices has made it harder for students to travel to schools, colleges and universities. He added that the proposed fuel card could help reduce financial stress and support students in maintaining their academic activities.
According to official data, there are around 17 million registered motorcycles in Punjab, a large number of which are used by students. Murad said the fuel card scheme could initially be introduced for a three-month period as a relief measure.
Punjab schools, colleges shift to work from home
Yesterday, the Punjab government announced a work-from-home policy for government offices. The authorities also confirmed that schools, universities and colleges will also remain closed from the 10th of March to the 31st of March.
Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz took these initiatives to handle the economic situation in the province amid the Iran-Israel war in the region.
Petrol and diesel allowances for government officials’ vehicles have been reduced by 50% with immediate effect. A ban has also been imposed on the use of protocol vehicles accompanying provincial ministers and senior government officials.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said that only one security vehicle can accompany provincial ministers to avoid any inconvenience.
Schools, colleges are online till March 31
However, Maryam Nawaz announced that students from universities, schools, and colleges will take their classes online and will work from home.
CM Maryam Nawaz also said that all government officials will also work from home, and only essential staff will come to the offices.
Work from home policy in KP
Earlier, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government announced a work-from-home policy for students and government offices. The provincial government announced that the 50% of the offices in the province will remain closed and the staff will work from home.
Special Assistant to CM KP, Shafi Jan, said that all the students will also take classes from home as the work from home policy applies to all universities, schools and colleges.
Shafi Jan stated that the students can take virtual classes and teachers can work from home. Similarly, the KP government representative, Shafi Jan, said that the provincial government will consider the closure of Friday to save fuel for the people of KP.
