MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid on Thursday flagged off a bus service between Muzaffarabad and Gilgit to revive historical relations and harmony between the peoples of the two regions.

A grand ceremony to mark the launch of bus service was held here on the premises of the newly built prime minister’s house, with a large number of people, including AJK cabinet and assembly members and senior civil servants, were present on the occasion.

Earlier, reports had suggested that Mr Khurshid would receive the passengers of the maiden trip at the seat of his government in Gilgit. However, it was a pleasant surprise for the audience to see Mr Khurshid arriving at the venue along with Mr Ilyas.

Mr Khurshid said he could not say no to PM Ilyas who insisted him to attend the ceremony in Muzaffarabad.

After speeches inside a hall, both leaders cut a ribbon and made supplications in front of the two buses of Northern Areas Transport Corporation (Natco) decorated with balloons, posters and AJK flags. They also waved to most of the 51 passengers, including some AJK government officials, as they boarded the buses for their celebrated journey.

AJK transport authority secretary Chaudhry Mukhtar Ahmed told reporters that all passengers of the inaugural trip had been offered complimentary tickets by the AJK government.

Earlier, PM Ilyas said the launch of bus service was the first but historic step towards reviving mutual ties between the two regions and would be followed by many more steps for the convenience and advantage of both the individuals and the institutions on both sides.

Similarly, he said, the Bank of AJK and GB Cooperatives Bank would also extend their operations to opposite regions.

Mr Ilyas said the quota of GB youth in AJK educational institutions would also be increased.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Khurshid appreciated PM Ilyas for his earnest efforts to realise his commitments to establish relations between the two regions of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

He said the Shounter tunnel was the most important project not only from the defence point of view but also economic prosperity but its PC-1 was awaiting implementation at the hands of the federal government.

Terming NATCO as GB’s asset and its pride he claimed that it would soon be converted into an air cargo company.

Published in Dawn, March 24th, 2023