ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training on Tuesday notified 10 routes for the ‘Pink Bus Service’ - a fleet of 20 buses to facilitate female students, teachers and other women commuting from rural to urban areas. The service is likely to commence on Wednesday (today).

“The timing of these buses shall be from 6am to 9am in the morning and from 1:30pm to 4pm in the afternoon,” read a notification issued by the education ministry.

The Ministry of Education and Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) have changed the colour of school and college buses from yellow to pink as part of this initiative. The ministry stated that the aim is to “bridge the gap” between urban and rural areas as an effort to promote education in the latter. This move comes amid the educational institutions facing a shortage of buses to cater to the needs of all students, particularly those travelling from rural areas to get education in urban schools and colleges. However, the education ministry is of the view that “adequate buses” are available for all educational institutions.

“Instead of starting this separate service, these buses should have been handed over to institutions facing acute shortages, but the ministry decided on 10 routes for all female teachers, girls students and other travellers,” said an official, adding that if the service was necessary, civic agencies of the city should have been approached for it.

Previously, this issue was also highlighted in the parliament when four lawmakers form the ruling PML-N moved a calling attention notice over the issue. “A matter of urgent public importance regarding stoppage of almost twenty school buses meant for pick and drop of students and conversion of these buses in the Pink Bus Project”, the notice stated.

Meanwhile, the 37th medal and prize distribution ceremony for 50 high-achieving students of the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) was held here at H-9 College.

Federal Minister for Education Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui attended the ceremony as the chief guest. He presented medals, cash prizes, laptops, and merit certificates to exceptional students who excelled in the Secondary and Higher Secondary examinations of 2022 and 2023.

He praised the position-holders for their commitment and achievements and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence in their future endeavours. He also outlined the government’s initiatives aimed at enhancing educational standards for the benefit of students and lauded the examination reforms introduced by the Federal Board, declaring FBISE a model institution in the country.

Federal Secretary Education, Mohiuddin Ahmad Wani also spoke on the occasion and praised the achievements of the students. He stated that education should be a means of elevating the character of the students. He made special mention of the initiatives taken by the federal government in public sector educational institutions, including the establishment of IT parks, providing meals to students, setting up art rooms, introducing mind games to enhance students’ mental abilities, and the beautification of schools. He also made special mention of the inauguration of the pink buses for female commuters of the federal capital. He said that these buses will provide a dignified means of transport to women travelling in Islamabad. Chairman FBISE Syed Junaid Akhlaq also spoke on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, August 7th, 2024