Pakistan Railways to keep fares unchanged amid fuel cost pressures

Pakistan Railways will not increase fares on operational trains despite rising fuel costs, with the decision conveyed during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi.

The minister briefed the prime minister on the performance of Pakistan Railways, ongoing reforms and future projects, according to an official statement issued on Monday.

The prime minister said the government would avoid placing additional financial burden on the public under current economic conditions and directed authorities to focus on increasing revenue through improvements in the railway system.

He instructed that reform measures be accelerated to improve operational efficiency and ensure safer and more reliable transport services. The prime minister also called for timely completion of ongoing projects and better utilisation of available resources to enhance passenger facilities.

Separately, provincial governments have announced relief measures to offset rising fuel costs. Punjab has introduced free travel across major urban transit systems, including the Orange Line and Metro Bus, along with a Rs100 per litre diesel subsidy for the agricultural sector.

Sindh has launched a subsidy programme providing Rs2,000 per month to registered motorcyclists to help manage higher petroleum prices.

The combined measures reflect efforts by federal and provincial governments to limit the impact of fuel price increases on transport costs and public spending.