ISLAMABAD: Following a massive surge in fuel prices, the federal and Punjab governments on Friday announced free public transport facilities to provide relief to citizens facing rising commuting costs.
The move comes a day after petrol prices jumped to Rs458.41 per litre and high-speed diesel surged to Rs520.35 per litre, marking one of the steepest increases in recent times.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that all public transport in Islamabad would remain free for 30 days on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
In a statement shared on X, the minister said the initiative would take effect from Saturday and apply to the general public across the federal capital, aiming to provide immediate relief to daily commuters.
According to the Interior Ministry, the government will bear an estimated cost of Rs350 million for the month-long scheme, which is expected to benefit thousands of passengers, including students, workers and low-income groups.
Further details regarding routes and operational arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif unveiled a major relief package under the government’s austerity and savings programme.
Under the package, public transport across Punjab — including the Orange Line Train, Metro Bus, Speedo Bus and Green Electric Bus — will be free of charge, allowing commuters to travel without purchasing tickets.
Maryam Nawaz said the global crisis and ongoing Middle East conflict had driven up fuel prices, disproportionately affecting countries like Pakistan that rely heavily on imported oil.
She praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for maintaining petroleum prices for a month despite international pressure, adding that the government would not leave citizens to face hardships alone.
The chief minister also urged citizens to use free public transport instead of private vehicles during the ongoing crisis and advised motorcycle owners to register their vehicles in their own names within 15 days to qualify for subsidies.