Pak, China launch Gilgit-Kashgar bus service

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China have launched a 'Friendship Bus' modelled on the India-Pak bus services between the Chinese city of Kashgar and Pakistani town of Gilgit.

The service was launched by Pakistan Minister for Communications Muhammad Shamim Siddiqui at Gilgit on Thursday.

Addressing the launching ceremony of the service, Siddiqui said that new bus service will not only further strengthen the relations between the two countries but will also help increase bilateral trade relations.

China is the third country with which Pakistan has road transport links. The Lahore-New Delhi bus service along with Lahore-Amritsar, Lahore-Nankana Sahib and Srinagar-Muzafarabad bus services have become popular as they provided a cheap travel facility.

Pakistan has recently launched a bus service between Peshawar and Kandahar and is currently negotiating to launch a bus service between Quetta, capital of southwest Balochistan and Iran.