ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The federal government has reversed a recent 100% increase in metro bus fares for Islamabad, reinstating the standard fare of Rs50 following widespread public criticism. The decision, made on the directives of *Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was officially confirmed in a fresh notification issued by the Capital Development Authority (CDA).
Fare Hike Withdrawn After Eid Concerns
Earlier this month, the CDA had announced that fares for all government-run metro bus services in the capital—including the Orange, Green, Blue, and Electric bus lines—would double from Rs50 to Rs100 starting June 1. The increase, which would have impacted over 90,000 daily commuters, sparked immediate backlash from the public and media, especially ahead of the Eid-ul-Adha holiday.
Responding to mounting criticism, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a meeting with the Prime Minister to review the fare adjustment. According to officials, PM Shehbaz Sharif deemed the increase “unjustified” and stated that it would “spoil the joys of Eid for the people.”
PM: ‘Unacceptable’ Burden on Citizens
“The citizens are already burdened with inflation. Such a fare hike right before Eid is unacceptable,” the Prime Minister reportedly said during the meeting.
In response, the CDA issued a new notification on June 4, formally rescinding the earlier fare hike* and restoring the standard fare of Rs50 across all metro lines.
Relief for Daily Commuters
The rollback offers significant relief to thousands of Islamabad residents who rely on metro buses for affordable transport. The fare revision also reflects growing government sensitivity to cost-of-living concerns amid persistent inflationary pressure.
The move follows Samaa TV’s early coverage of the proposed hike on *May 24*, which played a key role in amplifying public concerns and prompting official reconsideration.
