Question submitted in KP Assembly to trace Abbottabad’s pink buses

ABBOTTABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) member of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Amna Sardar, has submitted a formal question in the provincial assembly seeking details about the whereabouts and status of pink buses provided for women in Abbottabad.

According to the question submitted in the House, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government received pink buses in 2018 as a gift from the Government of Japan, implemented through the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The buses were intended to provide safe and dignified transport facilities for women and were announced for operation in Abbottabad and Mardan.

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However, the service reportedly remained operational for only a limited period before being discontinued without a clear explanation. At present, it remains unclear whether the buses are parked in depots, remain idle, or are being used for alternative purposes.

Raising the issue in the context of transparency and accountability, MPA Amna Sardar demanded that the government provide complete details of the Pink Bus project, including the current condition and location of the buses, as well as the reasons behind the suspension of the service.

She pointed out that women in Abbottabad currently rely largely on Suzuki vehicles for local transport, where they often face difficulties related to safety and convenience. The sudden discontinuation of the pink bus service, despite strong public demand, has added to these challenges.

The issue has gained further attention in light of recent remarks by the Deputy Commissioner of Abbottabad, Sarmad Saleem Akram, who reportedly hinted at the possible revival of bus services in the city, a move welcomed by residents.

Local observers have also called for the introduction of a green bus service in Abbottabad, similar to those operating in other major cities. Additionally, they stressed the need to revive the token system for Suzuki vehicles that was introduced during the tenure of former District Police Officer Ashfaq Anwar, which had helped regulate transport operations in the district.

Citizens have appreciated the efforts of MPA Amna Sardar in raising the issue at the provincial level and have urged the government to immediately address public transport challenges in Abbottabad by restoring bus services and ensuring safer travel options, particularly for women.