LAHORE: In response to the unprecedented surge in petroleum prices, the governments of Sindh and Punjab have rolled out major relief measures to cushion citizens against rising living costs and economic pressure.
In Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced a comprehensive relief package under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s austerity and savings programme. A key highlight of the initiative is free public transport across the province, including the Orange Line Train, Metro Bus, Speedo Bus, and Green Electric Bus, allowing commuters to travel without purchasing tickets.
The package also includes financial support for farmers, offering a subsidy of PKR 100 per litre of diesel per acre. Motorcyclists will receive Rs100 for every 20 litres of petrol. The chief minister attributed the price hike to the ongoing global crisis and conflict in the Middle East, noting that oil-importing countries like Pakistan are among the worst affected.
Maryam Nawaz praised the prime minister for maintaining fuel prices for a month despite international pressure and assured that the government would not leave citizens to bear the burden alone. She also urged people to use public transport and directed motorcyclists to register their vehicles in their own names within 15 days to qualify for the subsidy.
Meanwhile, in Sindh, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced a separate relief package targeting both individuals and key sectors. Registered motorcyclists will receive a Rs2,000 subsidy for April, which will be directly transferred to their bank accounts.
Additionally, motorbike transfer fees have been waived to facilitate registration.The Sindh government has also extended support to small farmers. Those owning up to 25 acres will receive Rs1,500 per acre for one month, benefiting around 336,000 registered growers.
The subsidy aims to offset diesel costs, particularly for wheat threshing, with payments expected to begin soon using verified data.Further relief has been provided to the transport sector. Registered passenger buses will receive Rs100,000 per month, two-axle trucks Rs70,000, and heavy trucks Rs80,000.
Intra-city buses with higher fuel consumption will also be given additional support, while railway fares for lower-income passengers will remain unchanged.Murad Ali Shah emphasized that the Sindh government is focused on protecting vulnerable segments of society while maintaining fiscal discipline.
He stated that these targeted measures are designed to ease economic hardship and ensure that relief reaches those who need it most during this challenging period.