Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah declared on Sunday that public transport fares will not be increased and will remain at the rates charged before February 28. Speaking at a press conference alongside transport representatives, he emphasized that the government will absorb the burden of rising fuel costs.
In a significant development, the Sindh government will provide a subsidy of Rs 100,000 to each registered bus through federal government channels. The chief minister clarified that this subsidy is not being disbursed from the National Finance Commission (NFC) funds.
He explained that while it would have been simpler to limit relief to government-operated transport, freezing fares across all buses will ultimately benefit the public more. Murad Ali Shah also highlighted the broader impact of the ongoing war, warning of potentially severe consequences.
Notably, he pointed out that petrol availability at pumps in Pakistan remains stable, contrasting with shortages seen in other countries. The transporters have agreed to participate in the government’s scheme to maintain fare stability despite rising diesel prices.
The chief minister assured that fares for coaches, minibuses, coasters, and vans will not increase, as the government will compensate transporters for the additional fuel expenses. He reiterated that public transport fares will stay at the levels set on February 28, providing relief to commuters during this challenging period.
