Islamabad Introduces Free Public Transport for a Month Under Rs 350m Relief Plan

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Friday that all public transport in Islamabad will be free of charge for the next 30 days, following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The announcement was shared on X, confirming that the initiative will benefit daily commuters starting tomorrow.

“This move aims to provide immediate relief amid rising transport costs, especially for students, workers, and low-income households who rely on public transport,” the Interior Ministry stated. The government will bear Rs 350 million in expenses to implement the month-long scheme, reflecting its commitment to easing the financial burden on citizens.

Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced a similar relief package across Punjab, making public transport free and offering diesel and petrol subsidies to farmers and registered motorcycle owners. The relief initiative comes after Pakistan recently raised petrol prices by Rs138 per litre to Rs458.40 and diesel by Rs184 per litre to Rs520.35, prompting public concern over rising costs.

The federal and provincial relief measures are part of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s national savings and austerity program, aimed at supporting citizens during the ongoing economic challenges. Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, Chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, criticized the petrol price hike, calling it a “petrol bomb” on the public and urged citizens to protest the increase.