Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has inaugurated new hybrid buses, the Pink Bus Service for women, the solarisation project at Chamkani Depot and the Mall of Hayatabad Depot.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Sohail Afridi said the launch of the Pink Bus Service fulfilled a commitment to provide better transport facilities for women in the province. He said the buses were now operating on roads and would provide an additional public transport option for female passengers.
The chief minister announced that women travelling on the Pink Bus Service would receive a 25 percent reduction in fares. He also praised the women working as bus drivers and described them as role models for other women.
During his address, Afridi also spoke about the image of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and its society. He said those who describe the people of the province as terrorists should also look at initiatives aimed at empowering women.
“This is Pashtun society, where respect for women and elders, affection for children and patriotism are part of our values,” he said. He added that respecting the dignity of women and the sanctity of homes was an important part of the province’s social values.
The ceremony also included the inauguration of the solarisation project at Chamkani Depot and the Mall of Hayatabad Depot. The projects are part of efforts to improve public transport infrastructure and introduce more modern facilities in the provincial capital.
Sohail Afridi also addressed the political situation during his speech. He reiterated that his party would proceed with its planned long march towards Islamabad on October 4.
“We are not going to retreat. On October 4, we will march towards Islamabad at all costs,” the chief minister said.
His remarks come as the planned protest remains a major political development, with PTI leadership preparing for the October 4 mobilisation.
Afridi also criticised government spending and raised concerns about Pakistan’s debt. He claimed that the country was carrying Rs99 trillion in debt and said public representatives should focus on serving citizens after being elected through the public mandate.
The chief minister further criticised spending on government facilities and vehicles. He said elected representatives should not purchase private aircraft or vehicles with expensive interiors for themselves.
Afridi also criticised expenditure related to a three-day conference, claiming that Rs6 billion of public money was being spent on the event.
The launch of the new bus services comes as the KP government continues to focus on public transport, women’s mobility and infrastructure development. The Pink Bus Service is expected to provide female passengers with another transport option while the fare reduction is intended to make the service more affordable.
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