Web Desk: Punjab’s government plans to make public transport free across the province in the coming days, in a bid to cushion citizens from rising fuel costs and mounting economic pressure.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the initiative aims to provide immediate relief, allowing people to travel without paying fares as fuel prices remain elevated.
Under the plan, passengers will not need tickets for major transit systems, including the Orange Line Train, Metro Bus, Speedo Bus and Green Electric Bus services.
Additionally, she urged residents to rely more on public transport instead of private vehicles to reduce expenses during the ongoing economic strain.
Alongside the fare waiver, the provincial government announced financial support for the agriculture sector. Maryam Nawaz said farmers will receive a subsidy of 100 rupees per litre on diesel to help offset rising input costs.
In a related measure, registered motorcycle owners will also receive a subsidy of 100 rupees on up to 20 litres of fuel, aiming to support daily commuters.
She added that the government is preparing broader cash assistance programs to safeguard agriculture, food supply and farmers’ livelihoods.
Meanwhile, the chief minister praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for maintaining fuel supply and stabilizing petroleum prices amid global volatility.
She said the federal government had delivered significant financial relief in recent weeks, describing the measures as a serious effort to shield the public from economic hardship.
Maryam Nawaz pointed to ongoing international conflict as a key driver of the global economic downturn, noting that Pakistan has been particularly affected due to its dependence on imported oil.
Consequently, she said the provincial government would continue taking steps to support citizens during what she described as an exceptionally difficult period.
She assured residents that additional relief measures would follow as conditions improve, reiterating that the government remains committed to supporting the public through the current crisis.
The federal government has announced that all public transport in Islamabad will be free for the next 30 days, starting tomorrow, following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The Ministry of Interior will cover the initiative’s cost, allocating approximately Rs. 350 million to provide relief to commuters. Officials said the measure aims to ease transportation expenses and encourage the public to use mass transit amid rising fuel prices.
Read more: PM issues special directives to suspend toll tax hike
