The Gilgit-Baltistan government has launched Pink Bus Service in Gilgit and Skardu cities in order to provide free bus transport service to the women.
According to the details, the buses will move during rush hours along the main roads of Gilgit and Skardu. Though, the government is yet to announce the exact routes and timings within each city.
Addressing the women of the district, the tweet states, “Now you can travel in a safe and comfortable environment and go freely to your schools, universities, colleges, hospitals, clinics, and markets. Another landmark event by the Government of GB for the public. Starting first in Gilgit city and Skardu City.”
After the announcement was made, it received positive feedback from the netizens, along with an appeal for strict regulation of taxi fares in the GB region.
Moreover, transporters have been threatened to forcibly remove the toll tax plaza on Karakoram Highway (KKH) after the tax rate hike.
After the increase, service providers have been facing challenges to continue operations. In this regard, President of Hazara Transporters Association Jan Alam pointed out: “The contractor has increased the monthly toll tax for transporters from Rs. 1,400 to Rs. 2,200, which we cannot accept under any circumstances. The daily toll, which was previously Rs. 50 per day, has been doubled, adding to our financial burden; this should be reversed immediately.”
He said that the decision to double the taxes is unlawful. The transporters have agreed with the plaza construction on the agreement of fixed toll tax rates, which the contractor has breached.
Meanwhile, the General Secretary of the association, Parvez Khan Swati, remarked that almost all thoroughfares, including the Karakoram Highway, are in terrible condition because of the incorrect use of toll tax money. However, the authorities are yet to respond to the pressures as tensions are continuously piling in the region.