Intercity Bus Services Halted in Lahore as Terminals Closed Amid Restrictions

LAHORE: Intercity bus services from Lahore to various destinations across Pakistan were abruptly suspended on Sunday after local authorities sealed all general bus terminals late Saturday night, leaving numerous passengers stranded and disrupting travel plans.

The closures impacted routes to major cities including Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and southern Punjab. Many travelers reported significant challenges as their tickets were canceled and transport services ceased without prior notice. Representatives from major private bus operators, such as Faisal Movers and Daewoo, confirmed to Dawn that their services were halted due to the imposed restrictions.

Despite the suspension of services, motorway police spokesperson Imran Shah stated that motorways and highways remained open for traffic and he was unaware of any official directives to halt bus operations. Another anonymous motorway police official indicated that the lack of bus operations was due to the restrictions imposed by the local administration rather than any issues on the roads themselves.

This disruption raises concerns for travelers and the broader implications for intercity transport in Pakistan, particularly as the country approaches peak travel seasons. Authorities are expected to clarify the situation and provide updates on when services might resume, as stranded passengers await further information.