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Pakistan Freezes Train Fares as Government Covers Rs6 Billion Rail Cost Through June

The decision buys time for rail reforms ordered by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Overview

  • Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi said fares on all operational trains will stay at current levels despite higher fuel costs.
  • The government will pick up an extra Rs6 billion for Pakistan Railways through June 30 to keep passenger and freight charges steady.
  • A Railways spokesperson said managers had judged a 30% fare hike necessary before the state chose to absorb rising diesel costs.
  • Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif set performance demands for Pakistan Railways, including faster reforms and on-time project delivery.
  • Fuel prices jumped to a record Rs458.4 per litre for petrol after recent increases, and the prime minister later cut the petrol levy by Rs80 per litre to soften the impact.