Sustainability of the Pink Bus

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.