The National Steering Committee on Fuel Subsidy has approved the redemption of fuel tokens through SMS for stations located in areas without internet connectivity.

The approval was granted at a meeting of the Committee to review the implementation of the Prime Minister's Special Relief Scheme in Islamabad today, with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar in the chair.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and the provinces shall furnish lists of such stations without internet connectivity so they may be brought onto the scheme without delay.

The Committee was informed that the overwhelming majority of fuel stations across the country are now operational on the system, and citizens are redeeming fuel tokens. Registration continues nationwide through SMS on 9771.

The State Bank of Pakistan informed the Committee that all payment claims received over the past three days have been settled in full, with claims received each day processed the same day.

Ishaq Dar directed that every fuel station which is open and operating be brought onto the system, and that stations found permanently closed or dealing exclusively in diesel be identified and removed from the list, so the coverage of the scheme reflects the position on the ground.

Ishaq Dar appreciated the provincial administrations and acknowledged the cooperation extended by the State Bank of Pakistan, noting that the relief must continue to reach the intended beneficiaries without hindrance.