Following a massive surge in fuel prices, the federal and Punjab governments introduced a key relief measure on Friday, announcing free public transport facilities to ease the financial burden on citizens.
The move follows a sharp increase in fuel prices a day earlier, with petrol rising to Rs458.41 per litre after a Rs137.23 hike, and high-speed diesel climbing to Rs520.35 per litre, up by Rs184.49.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that all public transport in the federal capital would be free of cost for the next 30 days, following directives from Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.
The minister shared the development on the social media platform X, stating that the initiative would come into effect from tomorrow (Saturday) and would apply to the general public across Islamabad.
The move is aimed at providing immediate and broad-based relief amid rising transport expenses for daily commuters.
According to the Interior Ministry, the government will bear Rs350 million in expenses to implement the month-long free-transport scheme.
The government expects the initiative to benefit thousands of commuters each day, particularly students, workers, and low-income households who rely heavily on public transport.
Further details on operational adjustments and routes covered under the scheme are expected to be shared in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also unveiled a “big relief package” under the prime minister’s national austerity and savings programme.
As part of the package, all public transport across the province — including the Orange Line Train, Metro Bus, Speedo Bus, and Green Electric Bus — will be free of charge, allowing commuters to travel without purchasing tickets.
Additional measures include financial support for farmers, with a subsidy of Rs100 per liter of diesel per acre. Motorcyclists will also benefit from Rs100 per 20 litres of petrol.
CM Maryam said that the global crisis and ongoing war in the Middle East have driven up fuel prices, hitting countries like Pakistan, which heavily rely on imported oil, the hardest.
She praised PM Shehbaz for maintaining petroleum prices for one month despite international challenges. “The government will not leave citizens to face hardships alone,” she said.
The Punjab chief executive urged citizens to prefer public transport over private vehicles during the current crisis.
Maryam also urged citizens to register their motorcycles in their own names within 15 days to qualify for the subsidy.
Separately, Murad Ali Shah also announced relief measures, including Rs2,000 subsidy for registered motorcyclists in April, direct bank transfers, waived motorbike transfer fees, and Rs1,500 per acre support for small farmers.
The Sindh government also provided transport sector subsidies, offering monthly payments for buses and trucks, with extra support for intra-city services, while restricting benefits to registered vehicles and protecting vulnerable groups.
