Karachi (HRNW)-The Sindh government has approved a Rs 515 million fuel subsidy package aimed at supporting the fishing community, providing much-needed relief to fishermen in Karachi, Thatta, Sujawal, and Badin. The decision was made during a Sindh cabinet meeting held at the Chief Minister’s House in Karachi under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah. Officials said the package is intended to provide immediate financial support to fishermen facing rising operational costs, particularly due to increasing diesel prices that have reportedly reduced fishing activity by around 20 percent.
According to the approved plan, 9,634 registered boats will benefit from the subsidy scheme. Under the package, 2,331 small coastal boats with 20-horsepower engines will receive Rs 200,000 per boat, with a total allocation of Rs 466.2 million, while 488 boats with 10-horsepower engines will be given Rs 100,000 each, with Rs 28.8 million allocated for that category. The Chief Minister also announced that a one-time payment covering two months’ fuel expenses will be provided to help protect the livelihoods of thousands of families dependent on the fishing sector.
The Sindh cabinet decided that the subsidy will be distributed through a digital and transparent payment system, requiring fishermen to complete online registration with the DG Marine or the Karachi Fisheries Harbour Authority. After verification, subsidy funds will be transferred directly into the bank accounts of eligible boat owners. The process will be monitored by a Joint Management Committee of the Livestock and Fisheries Department to ensure transparency and fair distribution under government supervision.
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