Pakistan, Sept. 14 -- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday announced a "relief scheme" for users of motorcycles, autos and vehicles of up to 800cc to "alleviate the burden" of rising global oil prices.

Renewed hostilities in the Middle East, which have resulted in disruption of major oil supply routes, have caused fuel prices to rise in the past two months. In addition to the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz due to the US-Iran war, trade via Bab al-Mandab - which has become a vital route for Saudi oil exports in recent months - is also facing a rising threat from Houthi rebels.

A statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Sunday said the premier took "immediate notice of the recent tensions in the Middle East and the resu...