LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced a special bus service exclusively for rural women, ensuring their safety and respect during travel. This initiative comes in response to recent incidents highlighting the vulnerability of women using public transportation.
A Step Towards Safer Public Transport for Women
Public transport plays a crucial role in the daily lives of millions of women in Pakistan, particularly in rural areas where access to safe travel options is limited. However, cases of harassment, violence, and misconduct by transport staff have raised serious concerns about women’s safety.
The need for a secure transport system became evident after a disturbing incident in Jhawarian, where a bus driver and conductor engaged in a violent altercation with homeless women over a fare dispute. A viral video showing the women pleading for help sparked outrage on social media, leading to swift action from authorities.
Government’s Response to Public Outrage
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif took immediate notice of the incident and ensured the arrest of the perpetrators—bus driver Shaukat and conductor Shamsher. She emphasized that such behavior towards women would not be tolerated and announced the launch of a dedicated bus service to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“The safety and respect of women traveling in buses will be ensured under any circumstance,” she stated.
This initiative is part of the Punjab government’s broader efforts to enhance women’s mobility and empower them with better transportation facilities.
What to Expect from the Rural Women’s Bus Service?
The newly proposed bus service will be designed to cater specifically to the needs of rural women. Key features of the initiative include:
✔️ Female-friendly transport with trained staff.
✔️ Strict implementation of security protocols to prevent harassment.
✔️ Affordable and accessible fares for women travelers.
✔️ Designated stops to facilitate easier access for rural communities.
✔️ Implementation of CCTV cameras for additional security.
IT Training & Employment Opportunities for Youth
Alongside the announcement of the rural women’s bus service, CM Maryam Nawaz also shared updates on the government’s efforts to equip young individuals with IT education and employment opportunities.
The Punjab government is actively conducting international market-based IT training programs for youth, ensuring they gain skills relevant to global job markets. Moreover, the first-of-its-kind Nawaz Sharif IT City is under construction in Lahore, featuring:
✅ Twin towers to be completed this year.
✅ A dedicated ‘plug and play’ call center hub.
✅ Collaboration with world-class universities to establish campuses.
This initiative aims to transform Lahore into a technology hub, providing countless employment opportunities for young Pakistanis.
Final Thoughts
The launch of a dedicated rural women’s bus service is a commendable step towards ensuring women’s dignity and safety in public transport. The initiative not only addresses immediate concerns but also aligns with the government’s long-term vision of creating a safer and more inclusive environment for women in Pakistan.
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