Pakistan is going through a major fuel crisis, and the government of Punjab has responded with a big decision. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced that public transport across all cities in Punjab will be completely free for the people.
The decision follows a steep rise in fuel prices, with petrol increasing by 42.7 percent and diesel by 54.9 percent, triggering protests and long queues at fuel stations across the country.
Under the relief package, citizens will not need to purchase tickets while traveling on the Orange Line Train, Metro Bus Service, Speedo Bus, and Green Electric Bus.
The Punjab relief package also extends beyond transport. Farmers will receive a Rs. 100 per litre subsidy on diesel. Registered motorcycle owners will get a Rs. 100 per litre subsidy on up to 20 litres of petrol.
Maryam Nawaz urged operators not to pass on increased costs to passengers and promised to relieve the public of economic burden as soon as conditions improve.
She stated that the government would not leave people alone in difficult times and urged citizens to prefer public transport over private vehicles under the current circumstances. She noted that the ongoing war has pushed the global economy into crisis.
This is a welcome relief for millions of daily commuters, especially working-class people in cities like Lahore, who depend on public transport every day.
