No fare hike in Sindh: govt, transporters strike deal

CM rolls out subsidies for commuters and operators

KARACHI:

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Sunday assured the public that transport fares in the province would not increase despite rising costs and that all transporters have agreed to support the government.

"Today, we met with transport owners regarding fares. Two days ago, following federal directives, we decided that fares for public transport users in Sindh would not be increased," Shah said during a press conference in Karachi.

On Thursday, the government further increased petrol prices by Rs137 per litre to a record-high of Rs458.4. It was the second major increase in the fuel prices in less than a month. However, on Friday night, PM Shehbaz announced a Rs80 per litre reduction in the petroleum levy on petrol.

Later on Friday, the Sindh government announced that in light of recent surging petrol prices and an ongoing energy crisis, a monthly subsidy of Rs2,000 would be provided to registered motorcyclists across the province. Public transport and goods transport operators would also receive monthly subsidies ranging from Rs70,000 to Rs100,000.

Shah, in today's presser, said that meetings had been held with transport operators across the province, and the Sindh government is aware of the public's difficulties regarding fares.

"We feel for every underprivileged person in the province. Transporters will not raise fares for passengers. We have also assured them that they will not suffer losses. Each bus will receive a subsidy of one hundred thousand rupees," he said.

The chief minister further explained that subsidies would be provided according to the roads in the province.

Supporting the decision, a transport owner added, "All transporters will cooperate with the chief minister and the Sindh government."

President Intercity Transport Shabbar Khan also confirmed that given the current situation, they had decided to support the government.