KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Sunday announced a major relief initiative for the public, securing a province-wide fare freeze after successful negotiations with transporters, alongside a targeted subsidy programme to offset the impact of soaring fuel prices.
Addressing a press conference at CM House, flanked by provincial ministers, transporters’ representatives and top government officers, the chief minister said the government had worked out a comprehensive strategy to protect citizens - particularly low-income commuters - from rising transportation costs triggered by global fuel price increases.
The office bearers of the transport sector attended the press conference, while divisional commissioners and regional transport authorities joined via video link, reflecting the importance of coordinated province-wide implementation.
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At the outset, the chief minister extended Easter greetings to the Christian community across the country, particularly in the province.
Murad Ali Shah said that following a series of consultations, transporters operating both inter-city and intra-city routes have agreed not to increase fares and to maintain rates as of February 28, 2026.
“I am thankful to the transporters for supporting the government’s relief efforts in the national interest,” he said, adding that despite increased operational costs, transporters had shown responsibility by agreeing to pass on relief to the public.
Transporters’ representatives, including Karachi Transport Ittehad leader Haji Tawab and inter-city operator Shabar Malik, reaffirmed their commitment, stating that maintaining fares was a collective decision to support citizens during difficult economic conditions.
The chief minister said the government would provide financial support to transporters based on route permits to compensate for increased fuel costs and ensure the sustainability of services.
He explained that subsidies would include federal support and additional provincial assistance, enabling transporters to continue operations without burdening passengers. “The government will bear the subsidy cost so that fares remain stable across the province,” he said.
Murad Shah noted that over 11,000 buses operate in Sindh, and maintaining fares through subsidies would cost the provincial government an estimated Rs3 to Rs4 billion.
The subsidy package also extends to: Goods transport vehicles, ensuring stable prices of essential commodities; School vans, to prevent an increase in transport fees for students; and Public transport operators, to sustain daily operations despite rising diesel costs.
The chief minister said that while the government initially considered making public buses free, it instead opted for a broader fare freeze benefiting a larger segment of society.
Murad Shah said the initiative was part of a coordinated national response, with provinces agreeing to share the burden of fuel subsidies for a limited period. He revealed that Sindh would contribute approximately Rs14 billion towards the overall subsidy framework, while also implementing its own targeted interventions for transporters, farmers and consumers which may cost Rs3 to Rs4 billion.
Highlighting the broader economic context, the chief minister said the region’s evolving situation has impacted fuel prices globally, but government policies have ensured uninterrupted fuel availability across the province.
“It is a major achievement that despite challenging circumstances, fuel supply remains stable,” he said, adding that the government is also working on additional targeted subsidies to help citizens purchase essential food items at affordable rates.
Shah reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting the public from inflationary pressures, stating, “Our priority is to provide maximum relief to the people while maintaining economic stability and essential services.”
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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