Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah convened a meeting to review the rollout of a targeted subsidy program for public transport and financial aid for small-scale farmers. The session included provincial ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon, Nasir Shah, Mukesh Kumar Chawla, Muhammad Bux Khan Mahar, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Principal Secretary Agha Wasif, Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi, and secretaries from finance, excise, transport, and industries departments.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the subsidy initiative is designed to shield the public and vital economic sectors from the repercussions of soaring global fuel prices, while keeping transport fares affordable and maintaining uninterrupted transport services. He highlighted that geopolitical tensions have caused petrol and diesel prices to surge sharply, with diesel increasing by over Rs 244 per litre and petrol by up to Rs 120 per litre.
Murad Ali Shah pointed out that fare hikes directly burden commuters, especially those from low-income backgrounds. He stressed that the Sindh government prioritizes protecting citizens and sustaining an efficient transport network, asserting that the fuel price increase burden should not be transferred to the public. To stabilize fares and ensure smooth transport operations across the province, targeted subsidies are being introduced.
The subsidy expenses will be shared between the provincial and federal governments. Transport operators will receive financial assistance based on vehicle type and route, contingent on maintaining current fare levels. Sindh’s transport system comprises over 10,800 vehicles operating on 224 routes, serving approximately 1.9 million passengers daily. The monthly subsidy is projected to be around Rs 2.15 billion.
To guarantee transparency and accountability, the subsidy will be distributed via a digital, app-based platform that verifies route permits, vehicle fitness, and bank account details. Payments will be made directly to operators, with ongoing monitoring through inspections and passenger feedback mechanisms.
In a significant development, the Chief Minister also approved a Rs 3 billion subsidy package for small farmers, benefiting 366,000 cultivators across Sindh. This financial support aims to mitigate the impact of rising diesel costs during the wheat harvesting season. Farmers owning between 1 and 25 acres will qualify for direct assistance, with the distribution process commencing immediately to provide timely relief.
Murad Ali Shah described small farmers as the backbone of the rural economy and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting them without imposing additional financial burdens. He instructed all relevant departments to accelerate the subsidy rollout and ensure effective coordination for the prompt implementation of both transport and agricultural relief measures.
