Islamabad/Karachi/Lahore: The Sindh and Punjab governments unveiled relief measures on Friday following the Centre’s unprecedented petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) price hikes of 43% and 55%, respectively. The initiatives aim to ease the burden on citizens amid rising global oil prices, further impacted by the US-Israel war on Iran.
Sindh Offers Fuel Subsidy for Motorcyclists
In Karachi, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced that motorcycle owners in the province will receive a fuel subsidy of Rs2,000 per month under a scheme developed in consultation with the federal government.
Speaking at a press conference, CM Murad acknowledged the recent fuel hike but emphasized the need for “targeted subsidies” rather than blanket relief that benefits both the rich and poor equally. “For three weeks, the prime minister did not increase fuel prices. While this policy had its benefits, it also created challenges,” he said.
The chief minister explained that the subsidy scheme was part of a one-month plan with four components, including a targeted Rs100 subsidy per litre for motorcycle owners announced earlier. Registered motorcyclists will receive the Rs2,000 support between April 15-20.
CM Murad urged bike owners to ensure their vehicles are registered in their name and to check registration status on the excise department website using their CNIC numbers. The application for the subsidy will be available within three days.
Punjab and Islamabad Make Public Transport FreeMeanwhile, the Punjab government announced that public transport across the province, including Orange Line Train, Metro Bus, Speedo Bus, and Green Electric Bus services, will be free for citizens traveling on intra-city routes.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz described this as a major relief measure amid the ongoing global crisis and part of the national savings and austerity programme initiated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. She also highlighted cash support for farmers, including a diesel subsidy of Rs100 per litre per acre and a Rs100 per 20 litres subsidy for registered motorcycle owners.
The CM praised the prime minister for maintaining petroleum supply and prices for a month despite global economic pressures, stating: “By providing relief worth billions of rupees, PM Shehbaz Sharif has made a strong effort to protect the public from hardships.” She encouraged citizens to use public transport instead of private vehicles during this period.
Additionally, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on X that all public transport in Islamabad will be free of charge for the next 30 days, starting Saturday, in line with the federal government’s relief measures.
These steps by Sindh, Punjab, and Islamabad aim to provide immediate economic relief and support citizens facing rising fuel costs amid an unprecedented global energy crisis.
