PM Sharif, CM Shah introduce measures to contain transport fares

Amid rising petrol prices, the federal and Sindh provincial governments have introduced measures to relieve the public from increased transportation costs.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that citizens “will not be left alone in this hour of difficulty,” while introducing a nationwide push to implement subsidies for public transport and freight vehicles. A meeting chaired by the Prime Minister reviewed the progress of the petroleum subsidy program, which began earlier than planned on Saturday.

The premier also confirmed that a public relief package of Rs 129 billion has been rolled out over the past three weeks. Subsidies include Rs 100,000 per passenger bus, Rs 40,000 per minibus, Rs 70,000 per truck, Rs 80,000 per freight vehicle, and Rs 35,000 per van.

Funds are being distributed digitally to ensure transparency. Additionally, the petrol levy has been reduced by Rs 80 per liter, Pakistan Railways is providing a Rs 6 billion subsidy, and passenger and freight fares will remain stable. The government has also suspended a planned 25 per cent quarterly toll tax hike.

At the provincial level, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah echoed similar assurances, confirming that public transport fares will remain at February 28 levels.

The Sindh government is providing Rs 14 billion in subsidies, complemented by the federal contributions, to prevent transporters from passing costs onto passengers, he announced.

About 11,000 buses, along with 470 government-operated vehicles, continue service in the province. Transport associations have pledged cooperation, ensuring fares remain unchanged.