In a major relief for commuters in Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the immediate rollback of the controversial 100% increase in metro bus fares. The decision restores the fare for all metro lines in the federal capital to Rs50, just days after the hike came into effect.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) had earlier notified that fares would double from Rs50 to Rs100 starting June 1, affecting the Orange, Green, Blue, and Electric bus lines. The hike faced immediate backlash from the public and media, especially as it coincided with the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha festival.
Also Read: Islamabad Metro & Electric Bus Fares Hiked by 100% Overnight
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held an urgent meeting with the prime minister in response to the criticism. PM Shehbaz expressed concern over the financial pressure already faced by citizens and termed the fare increase “unjustified,” emphasizing that it would dampen the festive spirit of Eid.
Acting swiftly on the PM’s instructions, the CDA issued a new notification reversing the fare hike. The reinstated Rs50 fare is expected to benefit over 90,000 daily passengers who rely on the metro for their daily commute.
