Intercity transport services suspended in Lahore as bus terminals sealed
The suspension affected passengers travelling to Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Sindh, southern Punjab and other parts of central Punjab. Several travellers faced difficulties after their tickets were cancelled and bus services stopped operating.
Major bus operators suspend services
Private transport companies, including Faisal Movers and Daewoo, suspended their intercity services amid reports of restrictions on public transport movement along motorways and national highways. Representatives of both companies confirmed to Dawn that buses were not being dispatched because of the reported restrictions.
The reported closure of general bus terminals in Lahore further disrupted travel plans. Passengers were left searching for alternatives as their journeys were delayed or cancelled.
Conflicting statements over road closures
Motorway Police spokesperson Imran Shah told Dawn that motorways and highways remained open to traffic. He also said he was unaware of any instructions to suspend bus services.
However, another Motorway Police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said buses were not operating on motorways or highways because of the PTI’s protest call. The official added that people travelling in private vehicles could still use the roads.
PTI march linked to travel disruption
The transport disruption came as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) continued its march, which began on October 4 despite warnings from the federal government. The party launched the march to demand the release of its founder, Imran Khan, but the activity had so far remained within KP, where PTI is in power.
A day earlier, containers were transported to Swabi Interchange, where the party had asked its workers to gather. Containers were also taken to the Indus River bridge on the M-1 Motorway in an apparent effort to block the march, although the motorway and the Grand Trunk Road remained open to traffic.
Transport department response awaited
Punjab Transport Department Secretary Imran Sikandar Baloch was unavailable for comment despite repeated attempts to contact him by phone. As a result, the department’s official position on the reported terminal closures and suspension of bus services remained unclear in the report.
The difference between the Motorway Police spokesperson’s statement and the account provided by another official added to the uncertainty surrounding the disruption. Further clarification from the provincial authorities would help establish the reasons for the suspension and when normal bus services might resume.
The suspension of intercity transport in Lahore created difficulties for passengers travelling to several parts of Pakistan. Cancelled tickets and halted services could also cause financial losses for transport operators and additional expenses for travellers.
The conflicting accounts about road access and bus operations made the situation more confusing. Clear announcements from the transport authorities and bus companies would help passengers understand which routes are available and when they can travel safely.
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