LAHORE: Payments have begun for individuals whose registration and verification has been completed for the motorcycle subsidy programme, Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari said on Wednesday.

Flanked by Punjab Agriculture Minister Syed Ashig Hussain Kirmani, Ms Bokhari told a press conference here on Wednesday that past governments failed to build adequate capacity in the energy sector or install sufficient power plants, an issue that was now under review.

She said the government had ensured uninterrupted supply of petroleum products in the country.

`While some technical aspects of petroleum pricing are not directly controlled by the government, addressing public concerns remains its responsibil-ity,` she added.

She said, `The government has granted a one-month extension and waived the registration fees during this period. Those who have not yet registered have been advised to complete the process within the given timeframe to avail the subsidy.

She clarified that no segment of society, particularly persons with disabilities, had been excluded from the subsidy programme.

She said, `By the end of April, 100 new buses will be added to the fleet, followed by an additional 400 buses by the end of May, ensuring that no district in Punjab remains without access to green public transport.

`The minister said a historic multibillion-rupee package had been introduced for farmers, and despite IMF programme constraints, the government was safeguarding farmers` interests.