Govt shuts down transport terminals once more

Public transport between Lahore and Islamabad–Rawalpindi remains partially suspended, causing serious hardship for travellers.

Motorway‑bound buses heading to Islamabad are parked at their bases and are not allowed to start their journeys, leaving many passengers stranded. There are also some intercity buses, which are still running along GT Road, although they reach the point of number 26, close to Rawalpindi, only.

Then, passengers have to travel by rickshaws, taxis or any other types of local transport in order to get to their final destinations, which prolongs the journey and increases the cost and inconvenience. According to transporters, the direct bus services to Islamabad will remain suspended until all routes are fully resumed.

They also lament that the shutting down of the public transport within Islamabad is contributing to the woes since individuals are unable to move freely even after they reach the capital area. The users also complain of long queues, congested alternative transportation, and the lack of knowledge of when the normal services will be restored. This is especially true of many commuters and workers earning wages daily who rely on cheap bus services to get to work and home.

Authorities have not yet announced a clear timetable for full reopening, so transporters and passengers are urging the government to restore all routes as soon as possible. For now, people are advised to check with transport companies before travelling and to allow extra time for their journeys.