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Following a series of similar pink bus services launched in Karachi and KPK, the initiative has also now been introduced in Islamabad on directives of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training on Tuesday launched a “Pink Bus Service” in Islamabad, ARY News Reported. The service was likely to operate on Wednesday, 7th August 2024.

The Prime Minister has announced that the Federal Government and the Ministry of Education will cover all expenses for this project.

Ministry Of Education’s Statement

Dr Khalid Maqbool inaugurated the Pink Bus Service with the slogan “Na Dar, Na Rukawat” (No Fear, No Obstacle). 

The Ministry of Education stated that “ the pink buses will be a welcome addition to Islamabad’s transportation system.” Furthermore, the Ministry said that the buses will “fill the gap” between urban and non-urban areas in order to promote education in the latter.  The Ministry of Education, Dr khalid said that “the pink buses will operate on all major routes in Islamabad”, according to a report by ARY News. 

The initiative aims to provide free and safe transportation facilities for female students and teachers. 

Pink Bus Service Details And New Routes

The Ministry notified 10 routes for the “Pink Bus Service.”  Furthermore, it is typically a fleet of 20 buses designed to facilitate female students, teachers, and other women commuting from rural to urban areas. The notification declared by the Ministry stated that “The timing of these buses shall be from 6 am to 9 am and from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm in the afternoon.”

In addition, the designated routes for Pink Bus Service are as follows.

  • Route 1-A Nilore to F-11/1 FGCH&E&MS
  • Route 1-B Nilore (Ziarat Stop to Secretariat)
  • Route 2-A Bhara Kau to F-11/1 FGCH&E&MS (via F-6)
  • Route 2-B Bhara Kau to F-11/1 FGCH&E&MS (via G-6)
  • Route 3-A Humak to Secretariat
  • Route 3-B Humak to F-11/1 FGCH&E&MS
  • Route 4-A I-14 (IJP Road to Secretariat)
  • Route 4-B I-14 (IJP Road) to F-11/1 FGCH&E&MS
  • Route 5-A B-17 to Secretariat (via Margalla Avenue) 
  • Route 5-B B-17 to Secretariat (via GT Road, G-14)

Initiative Of Buses Color Change 

The FDE (Federal Directorate of Education) and the Ministry of Education changed the color of buses from yellow to pink. They did it as a part of this initiative.  Moreover, this movement catered to the needs of students who faced a shortage of buses, especially those who traveled from urban to rural educational institutions. The federal ministry, in addition, believes that sufficient buses are available for all educational institutions. 

Criticism Of Officials 

Some officials proposed controversy against this “Pink Bus Service” initiative. Instead of starting it as a separate service, they argued that the buses should be allocated to institutions that had faced an acute shortage. The issue got noticed in parliament.  The four lawmakers there from the ruling PMLN pointed out the conversion of twenty school buses into the Pink Bus Service.  They said that it can negatively impact the students who rely on these buses for their daily commute. 

Also, the critics suggested improving the overall transportation structure with the collaboration of civic agencies. It might have been a more holistic approach to this matter. 

Award Ceremony For Top Students 

At the same time, medals and the 37th prize distribution ceremony took place for the 50 high-achieving FBISE students at H-9 College. Moreover, Federal Minister of Education Dr Khalid Maqbool attended the ceremony as the chief guest. He appreciated the students and highlighted the government initiatives for improving educational standards. 

Moreover, Federal Secretary of Education Mohiuddin Ahmad Wani mentioned the government’s initiatives in public-sector educational institutions. These included the establishment of IT parks, provision of meals to the students, introduction of mind games to improve students’ mental abilities, and set up of art rooms.  He talked about the introduction of a new pink service for female commuters in Islamabad. 

He said that these buses would provide a secure mode of transportation for female students, teachers, and other female travelers. 

What other advancements do you think will come next for making public services more accessible to everyone? Stay connected for the upcoming details!