By In a significant step toward women-focused urban mobility, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti has inaugurated the Pink Bus service, a public transport initiative designed exclusively for women and female students. The service aims to provide safe, reliable, and dignified daily travel while encouraging greater participation of women in education, employment, and social life across the province.
Announcing the launch on social media platform X, the chief minister described the Pink Bus service as part of the provincial government’s broader commitment to improving public facilities with a special focus on women. He emphasized that the initiative is not temporary, adding that the government plans to operate the service on a permanent basis.
Safe and Dignified Transport for Women
Public transportation challenges have long restricted women’s mobility in many parts of Balochistan. Limited access to safe travel options has affected female students’ school attendance, women’s participation in the workforce, and access to healthcare facilities. The Pink Bus service directly addresses these issues by offering a women-only transport environment, ensuring comfort, security, and dignity during daily commutes.
According to Chief Minister Bugti, the initiative reflects the government’s understanding of women’s mobility needs and its resolve to remove barriers that prevent women from actively contributing to society.
Expansion Planned Across Balochistan
The Pink Bus service is set to expand beyond its initial routes. The chief minister confirmed that other districts of Balochistan will be included in the next phase, enabling more women and female students to benefit from the facility.
This expansion is expected to play a key role in improving access to education, employment opportunities, and healthcare services, particularly in underserved and remote areas of the province.
Government’s Broader Women Empowerment Agenda
Separately, last month, Chief Minister Bugti stated that his government is actively working to provide improved facilities and opportunities for the public, with a special emphasis on women, across multiple sectors. These measures include education support, employment initiatives, and improved public services aimed at long-term social development.
Countering Extremism Through Development
During the same statement, the chief minister highlighted the social impact of such initiatives, saying they send a clear message to extremist elements that attempt to mislead Baloch women and discourage them from education and progress.
He emphasized that empowering women through education, mobility, and economic participation is essential for countering negative narratives and promoting sustainable development in the province.
A Step Toward Inclusive Public Transport
The launch of the Pink Bus service marks a meaningful step toward inclusive and gender-responsive public transportation in Balochistan. By prioritizing women’s safety and accessibility, the initiative sets a positive precedent for other provinces to follow, reinforcing the role of public transport in social empowerment and provincial development.
