The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has rolled out a new financial relief initiative aimed specifically at easing the burden on motorcyclists following a sharp increase in petrol prices nationwide. This move comes in response to the recent escalation of fuel costs, which have been largely attributed to heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The provincial administration has taken a firm stance against the federal government’s decision to raise petroleum prices, opting instead to provide direct monetary support to affected riders.
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, speaking at a press briefing, announced that every registered motorcyclist in KP will receive a monthly subsidy of Rs 2,200. He emphasized that the province is home to approximately 1.4 to 1.6 million motorcycles, highlighting the scale of the relief effort. The government has committed to fully funding this subsidy from its own resources, underscoring its dedication to protecting the financial interests of ordinary citizens who rely heavily on two-wheelers for daily transportation.
In addition to supporting motorcyclists, the Chief Minister reassured the public that fares for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system will remain unchanged despite the rising fuel prices. This decision aims to prevent further financial strain on daily commuters who depend on affordable public transport. Afridi criticized the federal government’s fuel price hike, describing it as a “petrol bomb” dropped on the common people, and called for a more considerate approach to economic policymaking that involves consultation with provincial authorities.
He further urged the federal government to reconsider its spending priorities, particularly by cutting down on luxury expenses, to alleviate the economic pressure on citizens. The Chief Minister stressed the importance of collaborative governance, insisting that provinces should be kept in the loop before implementing major price adjustments that have widespread repercussions.
While the subsidy amount has been firmly established, details regarding the distribution mechanism are still under consideration. The provincial administration is evaluating whether to transfer the funds directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts or to adopt a system similar to the Ehsaas Program, which has been widely used for social welfare disbursements. An official announcement outlining the exact process is expected soon.
This subsidy scheme follows a sudden increase of Rs 55 per liter on petrol and diesel announced on February 7, a move justified by the federal government as necessary due to rising global fuel costs linked to the ongoing conflict involving Israel and the US against Iran. The KP government’s proactive response reflects its commitment to cushioning its residents from the harsh economic impact of international developments and federal policy decisions.
