Karachi: In a move aimed at providing relief to students and parents, the Sindh government has issued a circular barring all public and private schools from increasing school van fares, even as fuel prices continue to surge due to the ongoing Middle East crisis.
The directive, issued on Monday following the instructions of Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, requires schools to maintain current transport charges and provide comprehensive data on their pick-and-drop services, including details of all vans operating under their management.
A spokesperson for the PPP-led provincial government emphasized that strict action would be taken against any school that violates the order. The government has also announced support measures for transport operators to ensure that services continue uninterrupted.
No Hike in Public Transport Fares
The announcement comes a day after CM Shah confirmed that public transport fares would remain unchanged across the province, providing additional relief to commuters facing skyrocketing fuel prices.
Fuel costs have seen dramatic hikes, with petrol reaching Rs458.41 per litre after a Rs137.23 increase, and high-speed diesel climbing to Rs520.35 per litre, up by Rs184.49. However, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif subsequently reduced petrol prices to Rs378 per litre for a month and cut the petroleum levy by Rs80 per litre.
The rising global oil prices, fueled by unrest in the Gulf region, have prompted governments worldwide to ration fuel and implement energy conservation measures. Pakistan, ranked among emerging markets “most at risk,” has introduced a comprehensive austerity and fuel-saving plan in response.
Government Support for Transport Operators
CM Shah expressed satisfaction that transporters have agreed to maintain fares at February 28 levels, while the government pledged compensation for any financial losses incurred. Registered buses will receive Rs100,000 per vehicle from the provincial government, with additional operational costs covered.
Currently, Sindh has 470 government-run buses and around 11,000 private buses operating across the province. The Chief Minister warned unregistered transporters against fare hikes and urged them to register to qualify for subsidies.
The measures are expected to provide immediate relief to students, parents, and commuters, ensuring transport remains affordable despite global fuel crises.
