The Sindh government and traders could not reach a final agreement on early market closure timings, as disagreement persisted, it was reported on Monday.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said that traders presented differing opinions regarding the timing of market closures.
“We will take a decision after reviewing the situation in Karachi. If consensus is reached, the federation will be informed,” he added.
Earlier, reports suggested that in a meeting with traders’ representatives and the government, both sides had agreed to close markets at 8 pm as an energy-saving measure amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. However, the consensus could not be sustained.
After the meeting with traders, addressing a news conference, CM Murad announced a targeted fuel subsidy programme for motorcycle owners across Sindh, aiming to provide financial relief amid rising fuel costs.
He said a motorcycle must be registered in the owner’s name to qualify for a subsidy. “An online system exists to check motorcycle registration, which has been made very easy. Excise offices for motorcycle registration will remain open even on holidays,” he added.
The CM said the motorcycle riders are being given a discount of Rs2,000 on 20 litres per month.
He emphasised that applicants must meet certain conditions to qualify. The motorcycle must be registered in the applicant’s name, and the bank account receiving the subsidy must also belong to the same individual. To encourage compliance, the government has removed the fee for transferring motorcycle ownership.
Murad Ali Shah noted that Sindh has approximately 6.7 million registered motorcycles, making this initiative significant for a large portion of the population. He urged citizens to verify their vehicle registration details through the excise department’s official website and complete the necessary updates.
Applicants will need to register online through the excise department’s tax portal to access the subsidy. He also clarified that individuals owning multiple motorcycles will receive the subsidy for only one vehicle.
Shah explained that “once all required information is submitted, a message and a tracking ID number will be received” to help applicants monitor the status of their subsidy.
To ensure accurate payments, he added, “Emails will be sent to Sindh Bank every three hours” to process the payments. He also warned that “payments will be halted if accurate information is not provided”.
“Ownership verification will include checking that the bank account matches the registered motorcycle. Accounts held with Sindh Bank will be confirmed within 24 hours, while verification and payment for accounts in other banks may take up to three days.” Shah said.
The chief minister further said that a dedicated toll-free helpline had been established to assist applicants and ensure data accuracy throughout the registration process.
During the briefing, the chief minister mentioned the ongoing discussions with traders and stakeholders regarding broader economic concerns. He added that the provincial government has communicated with the federal authorities and will respond after further consultation.
The initiative marks a major step by the Sindh government to support low- and middle-income commuters who rely heavily on motorcycles for daily transportation.
The chief minister said that during talks with traders, the Sindh government presented the federal government’s proposals.
“Only two trader groups agreed to end their protest, on the condition that the price increase be reversed, while other associations assured the government they would not stage protests,” he said.
Shah said that Sindh proposed to provide a targeted subsidy for the poorest segments of society only, but it was not agreed upon by the other provinces and the federal government.
Subsidy to provide relief to public transport: Sharjeel
The Sindh government announced the Targeted Public Transport Subsidy to keep stability in public transport fares.
Addressing a press conference in Karachi on Monday, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that there was pressure on the public transport sector due to a hike in petroleum prices.
He said that the Targeted Fuel Differential Subsidy was introduced to decrease the burden on the common man, which was enhanced due to a rise in fuel prices.
Sharjeel Inam Memon said that transporters are being provided with financial assistance every month.
He said that transporters are bound not to increase transport fares and ensure complete implementation of the government’s rules and regulations.
He said that buses, minibuses, and coaches will get Rs2,40,000, wagons Rs2.30,000, and Suzuki Pick-Up Rs60,000 subsidy per month.
The route buses will be provided a subsidy of Rs12,00,000 per month, but the amount will be between Rs1,80,000 to Rs7,50,000 for wagons as per their route difference.
Sharjeel Inam Memon said that an amount of Rs2.2 billion will be spent on transport subsidies. He went on to say that a complete digital and app-based system is being introduced to ensure transparency.
He said that every passenger will get Rs28 relief through the subsidy. Sharjeel Inam Memon said that payments, attestation, and registration will be made through Sindh Bank.
Sharjeel Memon said that the digital app-based system will be integrated with excise, RTA, and PTA.
He said that the late date for registration is also extended till April 15, 2026. Every registered motorcyclist will get a Rs2,000 fuel subsidy per month.
