THIS is apropos the news ‘Pak-China luxury bus service’ (Nov 6). The bus service between Lahore and Kashgar is indeed a good initiative to promote tourism under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). There are some suggestions.

The journey has an 895km-long distance and it will take 36 hours by bus, which may not appeal to every tourist because everyone wants a comfortable and convenient trip.

It will be convenient if air travel is also started between Lahore and Kashgar. Additionally, travelling by bus on a one-way fare of Rs13,000 and a round trip of Rs23,000 is costly as well.

The fare should be set to a reasonable amount so that a big chunk of local tourists can afford it.

Most importantly, the security of tourists is indispensable to tourism and there are security issues, especially on long trips in Pakistan. In this regard, concrete security measures should also be taken to make this bus service secure and more attractive. Besides our local tourists, monks from China will visit Buddhist sites located in Pakistan. Therefore, such considerations will be beneficial in attracting more tourists and increase in the profitability of this initiative.

Raja Muhammad Kamran Ejaz

Lahore

Published in Dawn, November 17th, 2018