Punjab, Islamabad announce free public transport travel for one month amid 'abrupt' fuel price hike

Maryam Nawaz, Chief Minister of Punjab, has announced that public transport operating in all cities will be made free.

Following her directives, passengers using the Orange Line Train, Metro Bus Service, and Speedo Bus will no longer need to purchase tickets.

Travel on Green Electric Buses will also be free of charge for citizens.

Maryam Nawaz further announced a subsidy of 100 rupees per acre on one liter of diesel for farmers.

She stated that the government will not leave the public alone during difficult times and urged citizens to use public transport instead of private vehicles under the current extraordinary circumstances.

She added that the world is facing a global economic crisis due to war, and efforts will be made to relieve the public of financial burdens as conditions improve.

She also said that the Prime Minister provided relief worth billions of rupees within a month to help ease public hardships, adding that Shehbaz Sharif has supported citizens despite severe economic challenges.

Public transport also made free in Islamabad

Meanwhile, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on social media that public transport in Islamabad has also been made free for one month.

He stated that, on the Prime Minister’s instructions, all public transport in Islamabad is now free, and the Ministry of Interior will bear the cost of 3.5 billion rupees.

It is worth noting that just a day earlier, the federal government increased petrol prices by 137.24 rupees and diesel prices by 184.49 rupees.