GILGIT: Commute was one of the biggest challenges faced by Fazila, a student of Karakoram International University in Gilgit, who had to reach for her class in the morning.

However, since the government started a dedicated bus service to facilitate female travellers, her concerns for a safe and secure mode of transportation have been allayed significantly.

“With the start of this service, we can travel in a safe environment from home to university,” she told Dawn.

She was one of many women travellers who are using the ‘pink bus service’ introduced by the Gilgit-Baltistan government in October.

Working women and female students have hailed the service, saying that it has solved their transportation issues.

Although Fazila is rejoicing in the service, she feels the current number of buses is inadequate and should be increased.

The women-only bus service was the first of its kind in Pakistan, said a press release issued by GB Chief Secretary Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani.

“The buses for female students, teachers and professionals are running on various roads in six districts,” the statement said, adding that after Gilgit, Skardu and Hunza districts, the service has started in Ghizer and Nagar districts as well.

Published in Dawn, November 4th, 2022