The Sindh government today approved a substantial financial relief package, including a Rs3 billion subsidy for small farmers and a monthly Rs2.15 billion outlay for public transport, to shield citizens from the severe economic impact of soaring global fuel prices.
The decisions were made during a high-level meeting at the CM House, where Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah reviewed strategies to cushion the blow of rising energy costs on the public and key economic sectors. The assembly included provincial ministers, the Mayor of Karachi, and senior government officials.
Addressing the transport crisis, the chief minister examined a targeted public transport subsidy scheme designed to maintain affordable fares. Officials reported that unprecedented global events have caused diesel prices to surge by over Rs244 per litre and petrol by Rs120 per litre, threatening fare hikes and impacting nearly 1.9 million daily commuters, particularly those from low-income groups.
‘We cannot allow the burden of rising fuel prices to fall on the common man,’ Murad Shah stated, emphasising that the government”s priority is to protect commuters. ‘This targeted subsidy is aimed at maintaining fares and keeping public transport running efficiently across Sindh.’
Under the plan, which is a shared financial responsibility between the provincial and federal governments, transport operators will receive aid based on vehicle type and route length. This support is conditional on them not increasing their fares. The initiative covers a network of over 10,800 vehicles operating on 224 routes across the province.
To ensure transparency, the subsidy will be disbursed through a digital, app-based system. The platform will integrate route permits, vehicle fitness data, and verified bank accounts to facilitate direct payments to operators. The process will be monitored through physical inspections and commuter feedback.
The Excise and Transport departments outlined several built-in safeguards, such as OTP verification for transactions, standardised fuel consumption benchmarks, and periodic reviews to manage the fiscal impact of the scheme.
In a separate move to bolster the agricultural sector, the chief minister sanctioned a Rs3 billion relief fund for 366,000 small growers to help offset increased diesel expenses during the critical wheat harvesting season.
Murad Shah directed that the agricultural assistance programme be launched immediately to provide prompt relief. ‘Our small growers are the backbone of the rural economy. We are committed to supporting them so they can continue their work without additional financial stress,’ he said.
The aid will be disbursed directly to eligible farmers, specifically targeting those with landholdings between one and 25 acres, to assist with fuel costs for threshing and harvesting machinery.
The chief minister affirmed that these measures are part of his government”s broader shift away from blanket subsidies towards more efficient and targeted support mechanisms. ‘Whether it is transporters, farmers, or daily commuters, our focus is to ensure that relief reaches those who need it most, without compromising fiscal discipline,’ he concluded.
The meeting ended with directives for all relevant departments to expedite the implementation of both the transport and agriculture support initiatives to ensure their benefits are delivered effectively and without delay.