AUTHORITIES in Pakistan have confirmed that a bus route project from Mirpur to Birmingham is in process.

The mammoth journey will take travellers through some of the most dangerous areas of Pakistan on their way to Iran, Turkey and Europe before reaching the Midlands city after around eight days, officials said.

Tahir Khokher, transport minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, has said fares would be around Rs20,000 ($210), a fraction of air fares that are typically close to $1,000.

This is being done to benefit Pakistanis living in Birmingham who hails from Mirpur.

The task is insurmountable though, the authorities are in contact with a number of bus companies and believe that it can be achieved.

Although there is no firm idea now as to when this project will start, if it is started and established it would greatly reduce the number of airline customers, besides promoting tourism through Turkey and all of Europe for just 20K.

ARSLAN ARSHAD Lahore