The Pakistan Railways (PR) announced a 15 to 20 percent increase in its fares, applicable from Thursday, triggering a countrywide protest over the decision. The hike came amid uproar over the decline in the number of railway engines and trains. According to PR officials, the bailout package demanded by the railways was not approved by the federal government. “The railway has to increase the ticket prices to cover its expenses. The government has approved the revised fares,” a statement said. According to a notification the fares for passenger trains have been increased by 15 percent while those of express trains have been raised by 20 percent.
