Pakistan Railways has announced an important relief for media professionals by extending the validity of concession cards issued to journalists until February 28, 2026. The decision comes just weeks before the earlier expiry date of December 31, 2025, ensuring continuity of travel benefits for working journalists across the country.
Journalists holding Pakistan Railways concession cards are entitled to a 80 percent discount on passenger fares and 50 percent for their spouse for travel in express and passenger trains, subject to applicable rules and availability. This concession is provided to facilitate journalists in carrying out their professional duties by making long-distance travel more affordable, while the discount does not apply to premium services, additional charges, or special trains unless specifically notified by Pakistan Railways.
According to the Pakistan Railways Headquarters, Lahore, the extension aims to facilitate journalists in the performance of their professional duties while a new cycle of concession cards is prepared for the year 2026. The railway authorities further confirmed that issuance of new journalists’ concession cards for 2026 will commence from March 1, 2026.
A Timely Relief for Journalists
Journalists in Pakistan frequently rely on rail travel to cover assignments, attend press conferences, report from remote districts, and maintain regular professional mobility at affordable costs. The extension of concession cards offers much-needed relief at a time when inflationary pressures and rising fuel prices have significantly increased travel expenses.
According to the data shared by the Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, 44,587 journalists availed these concessions from the financial year 2020–21 to 2023–25, resulting in a cost of 96.6 million rupees to Pakistan Railways. Over the past five years, 9,250 family members of journalists also received discounted tickets, costing 12.7 million rupees.
With the original validity nearing its end on December 31, many journalists had expressed concerns over potential disruptions in travel during the early months of 2026. Pakistan Railways’ decision to extend the cards by two additional months addresses these concerns and demonstrates institutional sensitivity toward the working conditions of media professionals.
Continuity Until New Cards Are Issued
Officials clarified that the extension period is designed to ensure a smooth transition between the old and new concession card systems. The new journalists’ concession cards for 2026 will officially be issued starting March 1, 2026, giving adequate time to process applications, verify credentials, and distribute cards without administrative pressure.
During the extended validity period—January and February 2026—journalists may continue to use their existing concession cards under the same terms and conditions as before. This avoids unnecessary inconvenience, last-minute renewals, or gaps in travel facilities.
Role of Pakistan Railways in Supporting Media
Pakistan Railways has historically extended concessionary travel facilities to journalists, recognizing the media’s role in promoting transparency, accountability, and public awareness. Such measures not only support press freedom indirectly but also acknowledge the practical challenges journalists face while performing field duties across Pakistan’s vast geography.
Rail travel remains one of the most economical and accessible modes of transportation, particularly for long-distance routes connecting major cities with smaller towns. For journalists working on limited organizational resources or as freelancers, these concessions play a crucial role in sustaining professional mobility.
Administrative Preparedness for 2026
The announcement also reflects Pakistan Railways’ administrative planning for 2026. By clearly defining timelines—extension until February 28 and new issuance from March 1—the department has provided clarity to media organizations, press clubs, and individual journalists.
Such advance communication helps avoid confusion and allows press bodies to coordinate with their members regarding documentation, renewals, and application procedures for the upcoming year. It also reduces the likelihood of overcrowding at railway offices and counters during the renewal phase.
Reaction from Journalistic Community
The decision has been welcomed by journalists’ associations and press clubs across the country. Media professionals view the extension as a positive gesture that acknowledges their contribution and logistical needs. Many journalists noted that uninterrupted access to concessionary travel is essential, especially during politically, socially, and economically sensitive periods when reporting demands intensify.
Senior journalists have also emphasized that such facilitative measures strengthen institutional trust between state organizations and the media community, fostering a more cooperative working environment.
Broader Context: Rising Costs and Media Sustainability
The extension comes at a time when Pakistan’s media industry is grappling with multiple challenges, including rising operational costs, downsizing, and job insecurity. Travel concessions, though limited in scope, help offset some financial burdens faced by reporters, photographers, and correspondents who must travel frequently for news coverage.
In this context, Pakistan Railways’ move is seen not merely as an administrative decision but as a supportive policy measure aligned with broader media sustainability concerns.
Looking Ahead
With the issuance of new concession cards scheduled for March 1, 2026, journalists are advised to stay in touch with their respective press clubs and Pakistan Railways’ designated offices for application guidelines and required documentation. Timely coordination will ensure that the transition to new cards is seamless once the extended validity period ends.
The announcement underscores the importance of proactive governance and clear communication, particularly when policies directly affect working professionals. For now, journalists can continue to travel with confidence, knowing that their concessionary privileges remain valid through February 2026.
Conclusion
Pakistan Railways’ decision to extend journalists’ concession cards until February 28, 2026, while scheduling new card issuance from March 1, 2026, reflects thoughtful administrative planning and sensitivity toward the needs of the media community. At a time of economic strain and professional challenges, such measures contribute to easing operational pressures on journalists and reinforce the role of public institutions in supporting democratic functions.
As Pakistan continues to navigate complex national and regional developments, ensuring that journalists can perform their duties without unnecessary logistical hurdles remains essential. This extension is a small but meaningful step in that direction.
