Pakistan and China have failed to materialise a proposed plan of establishing road link between Islamabad and Kashghar, it is learnt reliably. Sources in the Communication Ministry told Business Recorder that the two sides were planning to launch a cross border bus service between Islamabad and Kashghar from August 1.
However, there are number of issues still unsettled vis-à-vis inking formal protocol. "Following the success of Gilgit-Kashghar bus service we have been planning to launch Islamabad-Kashghar service but there are some issues which we believe will take some time," a senior official told this correspondent.
Islamabad and Beijing are already operating two cross border bus services one from Gilgit to Kashghar and the other one between Sust and Tashkorgan.
The two bus services between Pakistan's northern areas and China's western Xinjiang region have succeeded attracting people of neighbouring countries.
It is learnt that Northern Areas Transport Company (NATCO) is launching joint venture with a Chinese company to operate buses between the new destination of Islamabad-Kashghar.
"There is some delay in launch of joint venture between NATCO and Chinese transport company concerned as well. We hope all the issues would be resolved soon and the bus service would be started in October," the official believed.
The two sides have also decided to hold proper training for drivers who would operate buses on Karakoram Highway-one of the most dangerous highway in the world.
Moreover, the authorities have decided to roll sleeping buses to make the long journey comfortable for the passengers. It is further learnt that Pakistan would purchase sleeping buses from China for the purpose.
"We are quite sure that all the issues would be resolved in a month or two and this bus service would hopefully be launched in October," he maintained.
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