Free public transport announced in Islamabad for 30 days

Mohsin Naqvi has announced that public transport in Islamabad will be free for 30 days, following directives from Shehbaz Sharif.

The initiative, set to begin immediately, aims to provide relief to citizens facing rising transportation costs due to recent fuel price increases. Officials said the government will bear approximately Rs350 million in expenses to implement the scheme.

According to the Interior Ministry, the move is designed to ease financial pressure on daily commuters, particularly students, workers, and low-income groups who depend heavily on public transport. Authorities expect thousands of people to benefit from the decision each day.

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The announcement comes amid a sharp surge in petroleum prices across Pakistan, which has significantly increased travel and living costs. Petrol and diesel prices recently saw steep hikes, prompting widespread concern among the public.

In a similar move, the Punjab government, led by Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has also introduced free public transport services across the province. This includes major transit systems such as metro buses, electric buses, and train services, aimed at reducing the burden on commuters.

Additionally, the provincial government announced subsidies for farmers and motorcycle owners to offset fuel expenses. These measures are part of a broader relief and austerity strategy being implemented nationwide.

However, the fuel price hike has faced criticism from political leaders, including Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, who described the increase as a major burden on the public and called for protests.

As economic challenges persist, authorities say further steps may be introduced to support citizens and stabilize daily living costs.