The Pakistani government has announced free public transport in Islamabad for the next 30 days. This relief measure aims to help citizens facing rising inflation and high fuel prices caused by global energy issues linked to the Iran-Israel conflict.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Friday. He said the step was taken at the direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The free service will start on Saturday, April 4, 2026, and last for one month. The Interior Ministry will cover the full cost, estimated at around PKR 350 million (about $1.25 million).
People in Islamabad can now travel without buying tickets on all state-run public transport. This includes the Orange Line Metro, Metro Bus, Speedo Bus, and Green Electro Bus. Authorities have been asked to implement the decision immediately so daily commuters get quick relief.
This move comes after the government recently increased petrol and diesel prices sharply. Long queues formed at fuel stations, and many people protested the high costs.
In a similar step, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced free public transport across the province. She also introduced subsidies for farmers, including PKR 100 per litre of diesel support, and help for motorcyclists with up to 20 litres of fuel at a reduced rate.
The government hopes these short-term measures will ease the burden on common people until fuel prices become stable again. Many citizens welcomed the news, but some said longer-term solutions are still needed for inflation and energy problems.
