Metro Bus Fare Hike Reversed in Islamabad on PM Shehbaz’s Orders

ISLAMABAD – In a major relief for commuters, the federal government has reversed a recent 100% increase in metro bus fares for Islamabad, restoring the fare to Rs50. The decision comes on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, just days after the hike had officially come into effect.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) had earlier notified an increase in fare from Rs50 to Rs100, effective June 1, across all government-run metro bus services including the Orange, Green, Blue, and Electric lines.

The fare hike had sparked widespread criticism from the public and media, particularly with Eid-ul-Adha approaching, as the move would have impacted over 90,000 daily commuters.

Prompted by the backlash, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi convened an emergency meeting with the Prime Minister to address growing public concerns. Terming the hike “unjustified,” PM Shehbaz said the move would “spoil the joys of Eid” and burden already inflation-hit citizens.

“The people are already grappling with inflation. A fare increase at this time is simply unacceptable,” the Prime Minister reportedly told officials.

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Following the meeting, the CDA promptly issued a new notification canceling the fare increase, officially restoring the Rs50 fare across all metro lines in the capital.

The reversal has been widely welcomed by citizens and daily commuters, offering some financial respite ahead of the holiday season.

Photo By;Ahsan Amin