The Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, has sanctioned new subsidies targeting public transport and small-scale farmers to mitigate the effects of soaring global fuel prices. During a meeting at the Chief Minister’s House, he reviewed a focused public transport subsidy initiative aimed at keeping fares affordable and ensuring the province’s transport system remains operational despite unprecedented fuel cost increases.
Officials highlighted that petrol and diesel prices have surged sharply due to global geopolitical tensions, causing significant hikes in recent months. This escalation has sparked concerns about rising transport fares and a potential drop in passenger numbers. Murad Ali Shah emphasized that the government is committed to shielding ordinary citizens from this financial burden. He stated that the subsidy program is designed to maintain fare stability and support the efficient functioning of public transport throughout Sindh.
The subsidy scheme involves a cost-sharing arrangement between the federal and provincial governments. Financial assistance will be provided to transport operators based on vehicle type and route distance, contingent on the condition that fares remain unchanged. The province’s transport network comprises over 10,800 vehicles operating on 224 routes, serving approximately 1.9 million passengers daily. The monthly subsidy expenditure is projected to reach around Rs. 2.15 billion.
To promote transparency and accountability, the subsidy will be distributed via a digital, app-based platform that integrates route permits, vehicle fitness certifications, and bank account verification. Payments will be transferred directly to operators, with ongoing monitoring through inspections and commuter feedback. The Excise and Transport departments have incorporated safeguards such as OTP verification, standardized fuel benchmarks, and periodic reviews to manage the fiscal impact effectively.
In a significant development, the Sindh government also approved a Rs. 3 billion financial relief package for roughly 366,000 small farmers. This subsidy aims to offset rising diesel costs during the wheat harvesting season, specifically benefiting farmers owning between one and 25 acres of land. Murad Ali Shah instructed that this program commence on April 9, 2026, to provide immediate assistance.
The Chief Minister described small farmers as the backbone of the rural economy and stressed that this targeted support would help them sustain their operations without additional financial pressure. He further noted that the government is shifting away from broad-based subsidies toward more precise and efficient aid mechanisms.
The meeting concluded with directives for all relevant departments to accelerate implementation, enhance coordination, and ensure the timely rollout of both transport and agricultural support initiatives.
