The provincial governments of Sindh and Punjab have unveiled significant relief measures to ease the burden on citizens following an unprecedented hike in petroleum prices. The move comes after the federal government increased petrol and high-speed diesel prices by 43 and 55 per cent, respectively, amid the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran.

In Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced a comprehensive relief package under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s national austerity and savings programme. All public transport services across the province—including the Orange Line Train, Metro Bus, Speedo Bus, and Green Electric Bus—will be free of charge, allowing commuters to travel without paying fares.

Additional measures include subsidies for farmers and motorcyclists. Farmers will receive PKR 100 per litre of diesel per acre, while registered motorbike owners will benefit from a subsidy of PKR 100 for every 20 litres of petrol. CM Maryam urged citizens to register their motorcycles within 15 days to qualify for the subsidy and encouraged the use of public transport during the crisis.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also announced targeted support measures. Motorcyclists will receive PKR 2,000 for April, transferred directly to verified bank accounts, while small-scale farmers owning up to 25 acres will receive PKR 1,500 per acre. Registered passenger buses and goods transport vehicles will be granted monthly subsidies ranging from PKR 70,000 to PKR 100,000, with lower-class railway fares remaining unchanged.

CM Murad emphasised that only registered vehicles are eligible for the subsidies, stressing that the government’s priority is to shield the most vulnerable from the economic impact of rising fuel prices.

In addition, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that public transport in Islamabad will also be free for 30 days, with the Ministry of Interior covering the expenditure of PKR 350 million.

Both provinces highlighted that these measures aim to provide immediate relief to citizens while maintaining fiscal responsibility amid the global energy crisis.

© Naya Daur