The transport owners have increased the bus fare for the Gwadar-Karachi route by more than double – from Rs1500 to Rs3500 – making it unaffordable from local travellers. The sudden increase in the fare has come after the coastal highway police stopped buses from smuggling Iranian diesel and other goods into Pakistan.
Besides the increased fares, the local passengers are complaining about the unsafe transportation of diesel on board buses. They say it not only exposes them to danger but also wastes their time as fuel is loaded and unloaded at chokis.
Travelling in buses that smuggle Iranian diesel can be extremely dangerous. The Makran Coastal Highway, which runs from Karachi to Gwadar, has witnessed numerous accidents in recent years, many of which were caused by overloaded buses and reckless driving.
According to a report published by The News on February 23, 2023, “Overloaded buses and reckless driving on the Makran Coastal Highway have caused many fatal accidents in recent years, making it one of the most dangerous roads in the country”. The report further notes that many of these buses carry smuggled goods, including Iranian diesel, which adds to their weight and makes them even more difficult to handle on winding and narrow roads of the highway.
Many locals have taken to social media to share photos of buses overloaded with goods, making it difficult for passengers to even move around inside the buses. This is not only a safety hazard but also causes discomfort for passengers who are forced to travel in cramped conditions.
The health of these buses is a cause of concern as well. “The buses are in poor condition, and the mafia that runs them is very strong," says a passenger. "We are forced to travel in them because we have no other options, but it's a very uncomfortable ride.”
The transport sector in Makran has long been plagued by problems of safety and reliability. According to a report published in Dawn on March 12, 2023, "The transportation sector in Makran is dominated by a powerful mafia that controls the flow of goods and people in the region. Buses are often overloaded and in poor condition, making them unsafe for passengers."
The report further notes that the authorities have been unable to address these issues due to influence of the mafia and the lack of resources. "The government needs to take action to break the hold of the mafia on the transportation sector and ensure that passengers have access to safe and reliable means of transportation," says the report.
Further, there is only one stopping point in the area at Ormara, where substandard food is sold at exorbitant prices. Since the travel time can be as long as 11 to 12 hours, the travellers are left with no option but to purchase highly priced lunch or dinner.
What is even more disturbing is the lack of washroom facilities for women along the route. This not only poses a serious inconvenience for women but also raises concerns about their safety and hygiene. It is unacceptable that in this day and age, when there is so much emphasis on gender equality and women's rights, such basic facilities are not provided to female passengers.
The government must take steps to regulate the transport industry and enforce stricter rules and regulations to protect interests of the passengers. The bus operators and restaurant owners must be held accountable for the quality of food and services they provide. The government should ensure that the passengers have access to basic facilities, like washrooms.
Besides the increased fares, the local passengers are complaining about the unsafe transportation of diesel on board buses. They say it not only exposes them to danger but also wastes their time as fuel is loaded and unloaded at chokis.
Travelling in buses that smuggle Iranian diesel can be extremely dangerous. The Makran Coastal Highway, which runs from Karachi to Gwadar, has witnessed numerous accidents in recent years, many of which were caused by overloaded buses and reckless driving.
According to a report published by The News on February 23, 2023, “Overloaded buses and reckless driving on the Makran Coastal Highway have caused many fatal accidents in recent years, making it one of the most dangerous roads in the country”. The report further notes that many of these buses carry smuggled goods, including Iranian diesel, which adds to their weight and makes them even more difficult to handle on winding and narrow roads of the highway.
Travelling in buses that smuggle Iranian diesel can be extremely dangerous. The Makran Coastal Highway, which runs from Karachi to Gwadar, has witnessed numerous accidents in recent years, many of which were caused by overloaded buses and reckless driving.
Many locals have taken to social media to share photos of buses overloaded with goods, making it difficult for passengers to even move around inside the buses. This is not only a safety hazard but also causes discomfort for passengers who are forced to travel in cramped conditions.
The health of these buses is a cause of concern as well. “The buses are in poor condition, and the mafia that runs them is very strong," says a passenger. "We are forced to travel in them because we have no other options, but it's a very uncomfortable ride.”
The transport sector in Makran has long been plagued by problems of safety and reliability. According to a report published in Dawn on March 12, 2023, "The transportation sector in Makran is dominated by a powerful mafia that controls the flow of goods and people in the region. Buses are often overloaded and in poor condition, making them unsafe for passengers."
The report further notes that the authorities have been unable to address these issues due to influence of the mafia and the lack of resources. "The government needs to take action to break the hold of the mafia on the transportation sector and ensure that passengers have access to safe and reliable means of transportation," says the report.Further, there is only one stopping point in the area at Ormara, where substandard food is sold at exorbitant prices. Since the travel time can be as long as 11 to 12 hours, the travellers are left with no option but to purchase highly priced lunch or dinner.
What is even more disturbing is the lack of washroom facilities for women along the route. This not only poses a serious inconvenience for women but also raises concerns about their safety and hygiene. It is unacceptable that in this day and age, when there is so much emphasis on gender equality and women's rights, such basic facilities are not provided to female passengers.
The government must take steps to regulate the transport industry and enforce stricter rules and regulations to protect interests of the passengers. The bus operators and restaurant owners must be held accountable for the quality of food and services they provide. The government should ensure that the passengers have access to basic facilities, like washrooms.