Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has approved new subsidy programs for public transport operators and small-scale farmers to reduce the impact of rising global fuel prices on citizens and the provincial economy.
Chairing a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister’s House, Shah reviewed a targeted transport subsidy plan designed to keep fares stable and ensure uninterrupted public transport services across Sindh. Officials warned that increasing petrol and diesel prices due to global geopolitical developments were putting pressure on transport operators and commuters alike.
The chief minister emphasized that the government would not allow rising fuel costs to burden ordinary citizens. He said the subsidy initiative aims to prevent fare hikes while maintaining efficient transport operations throughout the province’s network.
Under the proposed mechanism, both federal and provincial governments will share the financial responsibility. Transport operators will receive financial assistance based on vehicle category and route length, provided they maintain existing fare levels. Authorities estimate Sindh’s public transport system includes over 10,800 vehicles operating on 224 routes and serving nearly 1.9 million passengers daily, with the program expected to cost around Rs2.15 billion per month.
Officials also introduced a digital monitoring system for subsidy distribution. The app-based platform will integrate route permits, vehicle fitness records, and bank verification to ensure transparency. Payments will be made directly to operators, monitored through inspections, commuter feedback, OTP authentication, and standardized fuel benchmarks.
In a separate move, the Sindh government approved Rs3 billion in financial assistance for approximately 366,000 small farmers. The subsidy will help offset rising diesel expenses during the wheat harvesting season for farmers owning between one and 25 acres of land. Authorities confirmed the program will begin on April 9, 2026, providing immediate financial relief.
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