PM orders fare freeze, extends transport subsidy by one month

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to ensure no increase in passenger fares and freight charges, while approving a one-month extension of subsidies for motorcyclists and the transport sector, the Prime Minister’s Office said.

The move extends relief measures introduced last month, including a subsidy of Rs100 per litre for motorbike owners. In addition, the Punjab and Sindh governments had announced Rs2,000 per month for eligible motorcycle users.

As part of the broader package, public transport in Islamabad was made free until the end of April on the prime minister’s instructions. A separate decision taken on April 4 also ensured that economy-class fares on Pakistan Railways would not be increased.

The Prime Minister’s Office said the federal government, in coordination with provinces, had rolled out a multi-billion rupee relief package aimed at supporting economically vulnerable segments.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed strict monitoring of the measures to ensure benefits reach deserving individuals.

He said the government would continue to provide maximum possible relief under the current circumstances, expressing hope that an improvement in the regional situation would help stabilise petroleum product prices.