ISLAMABAD, Jan 6: National Assembly Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas has asked the government to increase grant to the Northern Areas Transport Corporation (Natco) to improve service and replace its aging fleet, sources told Dawn.

The NA body has also asked the government to allow the only public sector transport organisation to operate in other cities, provide stoppage facilities to it on National Highways and Motorway like other transport companies to facilitate passengers.

Natco is the only public sector transport organisation in the country that is providing cheaper, safer and comfortable service to domestic as well as foreign tourists and the people of Northern Areas, an official of the organisation said.

“It is not only meeting the growing travel demands of the area but also expanding its service between Northern Areas and other cities of Pakistan,” said Zafar Iqbal, the corporation’s managing director said.

The 315 fleet of luxury coaches and coasters transport over 1,200 passengers between Rawalpindi and the Northern Areas, and 3,000 passengers between Gilgit and six districts of the region daily.

The corporation inaugurated its office in Astor with the formal launching of its coaster and bus services between Astor district and Rawalpindi on Friday (January 5).

Northern Areas Legislative Council Adviser on Transport Abdul Hameed Khan, Education Adviser Noorul Ain, NALC members Muzaffar Raley, Nasrullah, Mehboob Ali Khan, District Council chairman Amir Alam and other public representatives were also present on the occasion.

Speaking at a large gathering of local people, they thanked President Gen Pervez Musharraf, the chief executive of the Northern Areas and the Natco managing director for their keen interest in the development of Astor and providing transport service to the people of the district.

Speaking on the occasion, the Natco managing director said more service would be started to the far-flung areas of Astor. He said welfare of the employees of the corporation was his top priority. He said steps were being taken to improve Natco services as well as facilities to the employees. New uniform has been introduced in the corporation.

The fares of luxury coach has been reduced from Rs800 to Rs750 and that of bus from Rs650 to Rs500 for passengers travelling between Astor and Rawalpindi, he said.