Government withdraws metro bus fare hike in Islamabad following public backlash

The federal government has officially reversed the recent metro bus fare hike in Islamabad and Rawalpindi after strong public reaction and media pressure. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) issued a formal notification confirming the cancellation of the fare increase on the direct instructions of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

Earlier, authorities had raised the fare from Rs 50 to Rs 100, with the change set to begin on June 1, 2025. The decision quickly faced criticism from commuters, social activists, and the media. Although the CDA had briefly postponed the increase, it still released an official notification on the planned date.

The fare hike would have affected over 90,000 daily passengers, many of whom depend on the metro bus for affordable transportation between the twin cities. The timing was also a major concern, as the increase came just before Eid-ul-Adha, a time when household expenses are already high for most families.

Public anger and social media criticism reached the federal level, prompting Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to meet Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. In the meeting, the Prime Minister reportedly said that raising transport fares so close to Eid would create more hardship for the public.

He listened to public concerns and ordered the CDA to withdraw the fare hike immediately. Citizens welcomed the government’s move, calling it a win for people power and a reminder that public voices matter in policymaking.

This quick action from the government has brought relief to daily commuters and is being seen as a positive, people-friendly decision.