PM Rolls Back Metro Fare Hike, Rs 50 Restored for Islamabad Commuters

News Desk

Islamabad: In a welcome development for thousands of daily commuters, the federal government has reversed the recent 100% increase in Islamabad metro bus fares, restoring the fare to Rs 50.

The decision was made on the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, just days after the controversial fare hike came into effect.

Previously, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) had announced a fare increase from Rs 50 to Rs 100, effective June 1. The hike applied to all government-operated metro bus services in the capital, including the Orange, Green, Blue, and Electric lines.

The fare increase sparked widespread public and media backlash, especially with Eid-ul-Adha approaching, as it would have affected over 90,000 daily passengers.

Samaa TV first reported the proposed hike on May 24, which led to significant public pressure and temporarily halted its implementation. However, the CDA still issued a formal notification on June 1, reigniting criticism.

In response to the public outcry, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held an emergency meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The PM reportedly called the fare hike “unjustified” and said it would “ruin the joy of Eid for the people.”

“With inflation already weighing heavily on citizens, increasing the fare right before Eid is unacceptable,” he told officials, instructing the CDA to immediately roll back the hike.

Following the Prime Minister’s directive, the CDA released a new notification canceling the fare increase. As a result, the fare across all metro bus lines in Islamabad has officially been reinstated at Rs 50, providing much-needed relief to commuters in the capital.