Punjab Announces Free Public Transport, Sindh to Provide Rs 2,000 Monthly Subsidy to Motorcycle Owners

Islamabad (Qudrat Daily) – In a major relief initiative amid rising fuel prices, Punjab and Sindh governments have unveiled separate subsidy and transport support programs for their residents.

Punjab Free Public Transport:
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced that under the federal “National Savings and Frugality Program” led by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, all public transport in the province’s cities will be free of charge. This includes Orange Line Train, Metro Bus, Speedo Bus, and Green Electro Bus services, benefiting millions of daily commuters.

Additionally, farmers will receive Rs 100 per liter diesel subsidy per acre to reduce agricultural costs, providing relief to small and medium-sized farmers. A special petrol subsidy for registered motorcycle owners was also announced: Rs 100 per liter for 20 liters per month, directly benefiting middle- and low-income citizens.

Sindh Motorcycle Subsidy:
In Karachi, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced a monthly Rs 2,000 direct cash subsidy for motorcycle owners amid rising fuel prices. To ensure maximum participation, motorcycle transfer fees have been waived, allowing citizens to transfer ownership to their name free of charge.

The Sindh Excise Department has developed a dedicated mobile application where citizens can register using their National Identity Card (NIC) to receive the subsidy. Sindh has around 6.7 million registered motorcycles, and payments will be made directly to eligible owners’ accounts within 15 days, expected between April 15 and April 20.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah noted that rising fuel prices are a direct consequence of the ongoing regional conflict in Iran, affecting Pakistan due to heavy reliance on imported oil. He emphasized that the Sindh government is fully cooperating with federal decisions and taking steps to provide relief to citizens during these challenging times.