AS per the law, special persons in Punjab are entitled to a mandatory 50 per cent discount on all public transport fares simply by showing a valid CNIC. However, private operators have found a digital loophole to avoid giving this concession. During high-rush periods, these transport companies intentionally stop selling tickets at their counters and force people to use their official mobile apps. The problem is that the companies have completely excluded the 50pc discount option from their online booking platforms.

When a person with any disability is forced to buy a full-price ticket online because the counters are closed, terminal managers refuse to refund the extra amount when they arrive at the station. Even when counters are open, staff members actively deny the discount. They only honour the law if someone manages to get hold of some official associated with the Regional Transport Authority (RTA).

A legal right given by the government should not depend on whether a citizen has the personal leverage to get hold of a government official. RTA itself should initiate a strict action against the culprits, fine the defiant operators, and force them to add a proper disability verification mechanism and discount feature to their mobile apps. Technology should make life easier, not be used as a tool to evade laws.

Muhammad Umair
Lahore

Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2026