ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday appreciated the collective efforts of the federal and provincial governments and relevant institutions as the number of direct beneficiaries of the government’s fuel subsidy scheme crossed 10 million and announced a national award for the Information and Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja.

Hosting a high-tea to recognise ministers and government officials for their efforts in executing the landmark scheme and ensuring its transparent outreach, the prime minister said the government would also honour others with shields to acknowledge their hard work.

He said the scheme had faced several challenges and concerns at the planning stage, but coordinated efforts by all stakeholders had helped it achieve significant progress.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026