ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s federal and provincial governments have announced relief measures such as free public transport, fuel subsidies, and cash assistance to help offset the impact of rising fuel prices amid the Iran conflict.
The federal government has announced free public transport services in Islamabad for one month, aiming to ease the financial burden on citizens grappling with rising living costs.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi shared the update on X, stating that the initiative will begin immediately and continue for 30 days. During this period, commuters in the capital will be able to travel on government-operated buses without paying any fare.
He added that the Ministry of Interior will allocate approximately Rs350 million to support the initiative. The move follows directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who instructed authorities to provide immediate relief to the public amid escalating inflation.
On the directions of the Prime Minister, all public transport in Islamabad will be made free of cost for the general public for the next 30 days, starting tomorrow.
The Ministry of Interior will bear the expenditure of Rs. 350 million for this public relief initiative. Thank you…
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) April 3, 2026
Local administration and transport departments have been directed to ensure the smooth and timely implementation of the free transport service. The announcement has been widely welcomed by citizens, particularly daily commuters affected by rising expenses.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced a complete waiver of fares for major urban transit systems, including the Orange Line and Metro Bus services. Additionally, the provincial government unveiled a Rs100 per litre diesel subsidy for the agricultural sector.
“We will not leave our people alone in these testing times,” the chief minister affirmed, noting that Pakistan’s heavy reliance on imported oil has made it particularly vulnerable to the current global crisis triggered by regional conflicts.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also introduced a targeted subsidy programme for motorcycle owners, offering Rs2,000 per month to help offset rising fuel costs. The subsidy will be provided through a digital system developed by the Excise Department, allowing registered users to claim benefits via a mobile application using their CNIC details.
According to the Sindh government, around 6.7 million registered motorcycle owners will benefit from the scheme. Payments are expected to be disbursed between April 15 and 20. Officials clarified that the subsidy is a direct cash transfer rather than a discount at fuel stations.
To streamline records, the Sindh government has also made motorcycle ownership transfers free of cost for a limited period, urging citizens to update their registration details within 15 days to qualify for the subsidy.
The government is also considering extending similar relief measures to transport sector stakeholders, including bus and truck owners.
These initiatives come in response to a sharp increase in petroleum prices announced by the federal government. Petrol prices have surged to Rs458.41 per litre, while high-speed diesel has risen to Rs520.35 per litre — marking a significant increase compared to previous rates in March.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb also announced a targeted subsidy, stating that motorcycle users would receive fuel support equivalent to Rs100 per litre for up to 20 litres per month.
