PM Shehbaz extends transport subsidy for another month to ease public burden

In light of the current situation, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has decided to maintain the continuous provision of relief to economically vulnerable segments of society.

The prime minister has approved a one-month extension of the subsidy granted last month for motorcyclists, as well as public and goods transport, the PM Office said.

Furthermore, the PMO said, PM Shehbaz directed authorities to prevent any increase in passenger fares and freight charges.

“Effective monitoring of public relief measures must be ensured so that the benefits reach the deserving individuals directly,” the premier stated. He noted that the federal government, in coordination with provincial governments, has provided a multi-billion rupee national relief package for the common man during these challenging times.

PM Shehbaz reaffirmed his commitment, stating, “We will continue to provide as much relief to the public as possible under these circumstances.” He emphasised that providing relief to the common man remains the government’s top priority and that the public will not be left alone under any circumstances.

Expressing hope for the future, he added that he prays for a swift improvement in the regional situation to ensure stability in the prices of petroleum products.

The development comes about a month after PM Shehbaz announced targeted subsidies for the transport sector, including Rs100 per liter for motorbike owners, following which the Sindh and Punjab governments had announced Rs2,000 per month to eligible motorcycle owners.

On the direction of Shehbaz, travelling on all public transport in Islamabad was also made free till April end.

The prime minister had on April 4 also decided not to increase the fares for economy class passengers of railways.