Government Expects Students, Workers, and Low-Income Groups to Benefit from Major Commuting Relief
In response to a significant spike in fuel prices, the federal and Punjab governments rolled out a major relief measure on Friday, announcing free public transport services to help ease the financial burden on citizens.
The initiative comes after petrol surged to Rs458.41 per litre—a Rs137.23 increase—and high-speed diesel rose to Rs520.35 per litre, up by Rs184.49, just a day earlier.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that, following directives from Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, all public transport in the federal capital will be free of charge for the next 30 days.
The minister shared the update on the social media platform X, stating that the free transport initiative will take effect from tomorrow (Saturday) and will be available to the general public across Islamabad.
The move aims to provide immediate, widespread relief amid rising transport costs for daily commuters.
According to the Interior Ministry, the government will cover Rs350 million to implement the month-long free transport scheme.
The initiative is expected to benefit thousands of commuters each day, especially students, workers, and low-income households who rely heavily on public transport.
Additional details on operational adjustments and the routes covered under the scheme are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif unveiled a “major 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, allowing commuters to travel without purchasing tickets.
CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated that the global crisis and ongoing conflict in the Middle East have pushed fuel prices higher, severely impacting countries like Pakistan that depend heavily on imported oil.
She praised PM Shehbaz Sharif for keeping petroleum prices stable for a month despite international pressures, adding, “The government will not leave citizens to face hardships alone.”
The Punjab chief minister encouraged people to use public transport instead of private vehicles during the current crisis.
She also reminded motorcycle owners to register their bikes in their own names within 15 days to be eligible for the petrol subsidy.
About the Author
