The Pakistan Digital Media Journalists Association voiced strong opposition to the government’s recent decision to slash railway fare discounts for journalists. The reduction was from an 80% discount to 50%, coupled with a limitation to 10 trips per year, has sparked discontent among journalists nationwide.

The association, which includes members such as Founding Chairman Khalid Nawaz Sadhraich and President Shaukat Rehman Malik, has publicly demanded that the government reinstate the original concessions. They argue that journalism, a crucial pillar of the state, requires its practitioners to travel frequently for work, and the reduced discounts impose a significant financial strain.

In response to the changes, implemented under the directive of Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, Pakistan Railways has capped all fare discounts at 50% and restricted their applicability. The new policy also discontinues fare concessions on premier services like the Green Line and Pak Business Express, as well as on outsourced trains. Furthermore, the additional 50% concession previously available to journalists’ spouses has been completely withdrawn.

The overhaul of the concession policy by Pakistan Railways aims to cut costs, promote equity among passengers, and prevent the misuse of the subsidy system. However, the journalists’ association contends that the move is unjust, particularly when other state pillars continue to benefit from travel subsidies. They have also called for the concession to be extended to private train services and for the reinstatement of subsidised travel for journalists’ families.