Pak China Bus Service
Pakistan and China relations began in the early 1950s once The Peoples Republic of China came into existence. Pakistan was one of the first countries to extend a hand of friendship towards the newly born nation.
Ever since then, both nations have never looked back and the friendship has only flourished since then. As the eras have passed, each leadership, whether it be from Pakistan or China, has made it a priority to maintain and deepen international relations with one another.
Each year high profile diplomatic visits and meetings are organized and newer projects are agreed upon. Both the countries maintain a strong diplomatic, military and economic relation with one another, with the most recent one being the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Under the CPEC, Pakistan will be able to connect to china and other central Asian countries via ultra-modern and high-speed highways that will connect Kashgar to Khunjerab and Gwadar. Gwadar port will serve as the main trade center for China’s oil transportation resulting in a reduction of travel costs and distance.
On November 3, 2018, a private transport company in Pakistan became the first of its kind to launch the Pakistan China Bus service under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The new bus service, launched by The Shuja group of companies aims to connect the two countries by introducing a bus transit system covering a one-way journey in 2 days where passengers will be able to witness the mesmerizing beauty of northern Pakistan (owing to the estimated 30 hours estimated journey).
The Pakistan China bus service is operational 4 days a week, which is Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday for departure from Lahore, Pakistan to Kashgar city, China. Alternatively, the bus will be leaving Kashgar to arrive back to Lahore every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
The Route
As far as the itinerary details go, the bus will depart from Lahore and make its first pit stop in Islamabad. Then the bus will stop for a tea break in the city of Mansehra. Following will be lunch in the city of Bisham. After that, a tea break and dinner will be arranged for the passengers in the city of Chilas and Gilgit respectively.
As day 1 concludes, a resting time from 9 P.M to 2 A.M will be granted after which the passengers will be able to stop for breakfast and other customs and immigration checkpoints via the Khunjerab Pass. After this, the final drop-off will be the city of Kashgar in China. The same route will be followed in exact reverse order for buses leaving Kashgar for arrival in Lahore.
The bus fares are strikingly attractive ranging from 13,000 PKR (105$) for one way and 23,000 PKR (190$) for a round trip. Tickets can be booked from regional offices in Lahore and Islamabad. The entire buses can also be rented but will be charged for each individual separately without any discount. Renting a bus to China would require relevant documents and also the whereabout of the trip might as well be investigated. Only resourceful people of the country have the opportunity to book an entire bus from Pakistan to China. The option of online ticket booking is also available subject to its availability but renting a bus requires a physical presence in the office.
As far as bus conditions go, they are well equipped and luxurious within. Ample space and accommodation have been well taken care of by only introducing 15 seater buses, to provide maximum comfort and leg space for the passengers during the long commute.
The launch of Pakistan China bus service can be coined as the dawn of an economic boom for both countries. Encouraging mass transit systems across countries not only strengthen ties but also encourages trade and communication at an individual level which leads to opportunities towards establishing small businesses and growth. On the other hand, road travel is comparatively cheaper than air travel which minimizes the burden on traders and investors who travel frequently, which is why the trader community has openly welcomed this venture with high hopes.
