In a major relief measure aimed at easing the burden of soaring fuel prices, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Friday that public transport in Islamabad would operate free of cost for one month on the directions of the Prime Minister.
In a post on social media website X, the interior minister wrote that the relief will be starting from Saturday (that is today). The Ministry of Interior will bear the expenditure of Rs. 350 million for this public relief initiative.
Citizens in Rawalpindi will also benefit from this relief as the Punjab government has already announced one-month free-of-cost public transport travel.
The minister said the decision was taken on the special instructions of the premier to provide immediate relief to citizens grappling with rising petroleum costs. Under the plan, the Ministry of Interior will bear all operational expenses to ensure uninterrupted transport services across the federal capital.
“On the Prime Minister’s directives, this relief is being provided to the people facing hardship due to increased fuel prices,” Naqvi stated, adding that the government remains committed to supporting citizens during challenging economic conditions.
The initiative comes as petrol price hikes continue to strain household budgets, particularly impacting salaried individuals, students, and daily wage earners who depend heavily on public transport. By eliminating fares, the government aims to reduce commuting costs and offer short-term financial relief.
Officials confirmed that all major public transport services in Islamabad, including buses and feeder routes, will be part of the scheme. The Interior Ministry has finalized financial arrangements to cover fuel, maintenance, and operational costs throughout the 30-day period.
The announcement has been widely welcomed by residents. Ahmed Raza, a private office employee, said the move would significantly ease his monthly expenses. “A big chunk of my salary goes into commuting. This will help me manage my household better,” he noted.
Sana Malik, a university student, called the initiative a “huge relief,” adding that frequent fare increases had made daily travel increasingly difficult.
