Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Monday directed authorities to prohibit any increase in school transport fares, aiming to protect parents from additional financial burden amid rising fuel prices.
Following the directive, the Sindh School Education Department issued a circular to all government and private schools across the province.
According to the notification, a complete ban has been imposed on increasing pick-and-drop charges. The order applies to both school-managed transport services and private vans hired by parents, with operators instructed to maintain existing fare rates despite recent hikes in fuel prices.’The chief minister emphasized that no extra financial pressure should be placed on parents, while assuring that the provincial government would extend support and facilities to transport operators to help offset their costs.
All educational institutions have been directed to ensure full compliance with the orders and submit detailed data of their transport systems. Schools are required to provide comprehensive information about all vans and pick-and-drop services to the government.
The department warned that strict legal action will be taken against any institution or operator found violating the directive.
Separately, Murad Ali Shah announced that a Rs2,000 petrol subsidy will be provided to individuals who own registered motorcycles. He said the amount will be transferred to the registered owner after verification through the Sindh Excise Department’s system.
He urged citizens who have purchased motorcycles to transfer ownership in their name, noting that the process has been made free of cost. To facilitate applicants, excise offices will remain open from 8:00am to 12:00 midnight, including weekends.
The chief minister also said traders have been consulted regarding proposed market closures at 8:00pm, adding that further decisions will be taken in consultation with the federal government, keeping the province’s situation in view.
