Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced a relief boost for citizens, confirming that all public transport in Islamabad will be free for 30 days. The initiative follows directives from Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.
The minister shared the news on X, stating that the scheme will take effect tomorrow and apply to all commuters across Islamabad. The move aims to provide immediate relief amid rising transport costs.
According to the Interior Ministry, the government will cover Rs350 million in expenses to implement this month-long free transport program. Officials said the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to easing the financial burden on daily commuters, especially students, workers, and low-income households.
The relief boost is expected to benefit thousands of people each day, providing accessible and affordable transportation during challenging economic times. Further details on routes and operational adjustments will be shared in the coming days.
Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced a similar relief boost across Punjab, making public transport free for passengers following a significant increase in petrol and diesel prices. The Orange Line, Metro Bus, Speedo buses, and Green Electric Buses are all included in the package.
The Punjab government has also extended financial relief to farmers, including a diesel subsidy of Rs100 per litre, and petrol subsidies of Rs100 per litre for registered motorcycle owners on up to 20 litres. Maryam Nawaz said the measures are part of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s national savings and austerity program.
The federal government recently raised petrol prices by Rs138 per litre, bringing the new rate to Rs458.40, and diesel by Rs184 per litre to Rs520.35. Rising fuel costs have created widespread public concern, prompting the government to implement these targeted relief measures.
Meanwhile, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, criticized the petrol price hikes, calling them a “petrol bomb” on the public. He also announced plans for a nationwide protest against the increases.
With the relief boost initiatives, the government hopes to ease citizens’ financial pressures while encouraging the use of public transport during these extraordinary economic times.
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