Islamabad: Pakistan has simplified the registration process for the Prime Minister’s fuel relief scheme to enable more eligible people to benefit, Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said on Monday.

The scheme covers users of two- and three-wheelers, as well as vehicles with engine capacities of up to 800cc. Eligible beneficiaries will receive a fuel subsidy of Rs100 per litre.

Speaking at a news conference in Islamabad alongside Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Khawaja said the new registration procedure involved minimum checks and balances.

She said eligible applicants could register from home by sending their Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) number, vehicle plate number, first letter of their province and vehicle registration date to 9771. Sending the required information would complete the registration process.

Khawaja said registered beneficiaries would need to obtain a fuel relief token before visiting a petrol station. They can receive the token by sending “TOK” to 9771.

The petrol station will provide subsidised fuel after the beneficiary presents the token number, she said.

Khawaja said the fuel relief scheme was intended to reduce the financial burden on deserving people. She added that the government would use all available means to raise awareness about the programme.

The minister also said austerity measures were being taken as part of the government’s efforts.

Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said the government would provide Rs25 billion per month for the fuel relief scheme.

He said that despite limited resources, the government had sought to protect weaker sections of society.