Pakistan, Oct. 10 -- Prime Minister Muhammad 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, announcing a national award for the Information and Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja.

Hosting a high tea to recognize 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 honor others with shields to acknowledge their dedication and sustained hard work.

He said the scheme had faced several challenges and concerns at the planning stage, but coo...