Balochistan View

www.balochistanview.com•Late City Edition•Rs. 15•Regd. No. B-202

Quetta Launches Historic ‘Pink Bus Service’ to Boost Women’s Mobility and Safety

By Editor

QUETTA: In a significant stride toward inclusive urban development, the Balochistan government has rolled out the province's first-ever dedicated public transport system for women. The "Pink Bus Service" commenced operations in the provincial capital at the start of the new year, aiming to provide female students and professionals with a secure and dignified commuting option. Dedicated Route for Education and Work The inaugural phase of the project introduces five buses exclusively for women. According to provincial transport authorities, these buses will operate on a key arterial route connecting the Brewery area (Baleli) to the University of Balochistan via Sariab Road. This route was strategically selected to facilitate thousands of students and working women who previously faced challenges commuting on mixed public transport. Transport Secretary Hayat Kakar and Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Secretary Ali Khan confirmed that this launch is part of a broader "Phase 2" expansion of the city's public transit. Alongside the five Pink Buses, the government has added 16 new buses to the existing Green Bus fleet, bringing the total number of new vehicles to 21. A Social Reform Agenda Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, in a statement released on social media, termed the initiative a vital piece of social reform rather than just a transport project. He highlighted that safe transportation is a fundamental right and a prerequisite for women to access education, healthcare, and employment opportunities without fear or hesitation. Prior to this, women in Quetta traveled on the general Green Bus Service, which often led to overcrowding and privacy concerns. The new service addresses these issues by offering a women-only space, a move the Chief Minister described as essential for promoting "women’s safety, independence, and social inclusion." Expansion Plans for Major Cities The government has signaled that this is only the beginning of a province-wide overhaul of public transport. Officials revealed plans to introduce similar eco-friendly bus services in four other major cities across Balochistan in the near future. The Chief Minister has directed authorities to ensure the Pink Bus Service operates on a permanent, sustainable basis, with plans to expand its coverage to other districts to benefit a wider demographic.

Sustainability of the Pink Bus

By Samreen Baloch

Quetta: The launch of the Pink Bus Service in Quetta is a breath of fresh air for female students and working women. For years, traveling from areas like Baleli to the University of Balochistan on mixed public transport has been an ordeal, often discouraging parents from sending their daughters to higher education institutions. The provincial government and the transport department deserve credit for acknowledging this specific social hurdle. However, a word of caution is necessary. We have seen similar initiatives in the past launch with great fanfare only to disappear due to a lack of maintenance or funding after a few months. The "Green Bus" faced similar sporadic operational issues. The Chief Minister has promised permanence, but this requires a dedicated maintenance budget and strict oversight. Furthermore, the government should consider extending the route to include Airport Road and Hazara Town, where a large population of female students resides.

Gwadar Dedicates 2026 to Literary Icon Syed Zahoor Shah Hashmi; Announces Official Use of Balochi Language

By Editor

GWADAR: The coastal city of Gwadar has officially launched a year-long series of events to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of the legendary linguist and poet, Syed Zahoor Shah Hashmi. The centenary celebrations, which kicked off recently at the RCD Council’s auditorium, served as a platform not only to honor the scholar’s legacy but also to announce significant administrative changes regarding the native language in local governance. A Landmark Year for Balochi Literature The inaugural ceremony was a collaborative effort involving the Gwadar Municipal Committee alongside various literary and cultural organizations. The central theme of the gathering was the dedication of the year 2026 to Syed Hashmi, ensuring that his contributions to the Balochi language remain at the forefront of cultural discourse throughout the province. Former Chief Minister of Balochistan, Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch, attended as the chief guest. During his address, he placed Syed Hashmi on a high pedestal within the region’s literary history, comparing his comprehensive influence to that of the classical poet Mulla Fazil. Dr. Malik praised the decision to celebrate the scholar’s centenary and pledged financial assistance to facilitate the publication of Hashmi’s literary works, ensuring they reach a wider audience. Municipal Governance to Adopt Balochi In a major development for local administration, Gwadar Municipal Committee Chairman Majid Johar announced a new policy to integrate the local language into the city’s infrastructure. According to the Chairman, Gwadar is set to become the first municipality in Balochistan to install street signage in the Balochi language. The initiative extends beyond street signs; the municipal office plans to introduce digital counters and conduct official announcements in Balochi. There is also a proposal to encourage shopkeepers across the port city to adopt Balochi for their commercial signboards, aiming to reflect the region’s linguistic identity in its urban landscape. Connecting Youth to Heritage Local MPA Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman, who also addressed the gathering, termed Syed Hashmi a "national asset" and the pride of Gwadar. He emphasized that the year-long celebrations are crucial for the younger generation, providing them with a structured opportunity to research and understand the depth of Hashmi’s philosophy and linguistic work. He assured full support for organizing related events across Pakistan. Cultural Festivities and Future Plans The event went beyond speeches, featuring a vibrant display of Balochistan’s artistic talent. The Khairjan Art Academy screened a theatre performance, while a musical segment saw renowned artists singing poetry penned by Syed Hashmi. A dedicated poetry recital gave young poets a stage to pay homage to the literary giant. Speakers at the event stressed the importance of eventually adopting Balochi as a medium of instruction in education to truly preserve the language. It was also announced that upcoming major events in the city, including the Gwadar Book Fair, will be themed around Syed Zahoor Shah Hashmi to maintain the momentum of the centenary celebrations.

University of Turbat Enhances Research Scope with Launch of MPhil Sociology

By Editor

TURBAT: The University of Turbat (UoT) is set to expand its postgraduate offerings after receiving formal approval from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to establish an MPhil program in Sociology. The new research-focused degree will commence in the Spring 2026 academic session, marking a significant development for higher education in the Makran division. Boosting Regional Research Capacity The authorization was granted by the HEC’s Quality Assurance Division following a review of the university's academic resources and standards. This move is expected to provide scholars in southern Balochistan with access to advanced social science education without the need to relocate to larger metropolitan centers like Quetta or Karachi. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Gul Hasan welcomed the decision, describing it as a testament to the hard work of the Faculty of Social Sciences. He termed the approval a "milestone" for the institution, noting that it aligns with the university's strategic goal to elevate its research capacity and strictly adhere to national quality standards. Modernizing Academic Curricula The introduction of the MPhil in Sociology is part of a broader academic expansion at UoT. For the Spring 2026 session, the university has opened admissions for a diverse range of disciplines, including 13 graduate and over 50 undergraduate programs. University administration has also highlighted a shift in pedagogical focus. The updated curricula across these programs have been designed to meet contemporary market demands, integrating subjects such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), entrepreneurship, and modern research methodologies. This modernization aims to equip students from Balochistan with competitive skills relevant to the evolving national economic landscape. The program is scheduled to begin classes in the upcoming spring semester.

Inside Today

Prayer Times

salah	Que	Tur	Gwa
Fajr	-	-	-
Dhuhr	-	-	-
Asr	-	-	-
Maghrib	-	-	-
Isha	-	-	-

Jafari: Maghrib +10m

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