Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, announced that transporters across the province will not raise fares, as the government will provide fuel and public transport subsidies to support low-income citizens.
Speaking at a press conference at the Chief Minister’s House, he said the government will give relief to passengers of minibuses, buses, coasters, and Suzuki vans operating on route permits. He added that the Sindh government will cover the higher diesel costs for intercity buses.
He said transporters are cooperating with the government to pass the benefit on to the public. The federal government is providing a subsidy of Rs100,000 per bus, and the Sindh government will offer additional support if fuel prices increase further to prevent fare hikes.
Earlier, Murad Ali Shah chaired a key meeting on subsidies and public relief, which provincial ministers and senior officials attended. The participants reviewed different steps to reduce the impact of rising petroleum prices on citizens.
The chief minister said the relief package aims to protect people from extra financial burden and urged citizens to use electricity, gas, and fuel carefully during the current situation.
Also Read, PM directs Pakistan Railways to freeze fares amid rising fuel prices
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on Friday, provided relief to railway passengers by instructing Pakistan Railways to maintain fare levels despite the increasing costs of diesel.
The government will absorb an additional Rs 6 billion until June 30 to ensure that travel remains affordable and freight rates are stable.
A spokesman for Pakistan Railways stated that the government opted to bear the burden of rising diesel prices after a 30 per cent increase in fares was considered necessary to cover operational costs.
The Prime Minister’s order applies to all classes, including Economy and AC, while freight rates will also remain unchanged to assist the business sector.
