Intercity travel from Lahore faced major disruption on Sunday after authorities reportedly sealed the city’s general bus terminals overnight. The reported closures left passengers stranded, while several transport companies suspended services to destinations across Pakistan.
The disruption affected routes connecting Lahore with Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, southern Punjab and other parts of central Punjab. Moreover, several passengers reportedly faced difficulties after operators cancelled tickets and halted departures.
Faisal Movers and Daewoo Suspend Bus Services
Major private transport operators, including Faisal Movers and Daewoo, suspended their intercity services amid reports of restrictions on public transport movement along motorways and national highways.
Representatives of both companies confirmed that their services had stopped and buses were not departing because of the restrictions. Consequently, passengers faced uncertainty over their travel plans and alternative transport arrangements.
However, the situation surrounding road access remained unclear, as motorway police offered a different account of the restrictions.
Motorway Police Say Highways Remain Open
Motorway police spokesperson Imran Shah said motorways and highways remained open to traffic. He also stated that he was unaware of any directions ordering the suspension of bus services.
Meanwhile, another motorway police official, speaking anonymously, said buses were not operating on motorways or highways because of the PTI protest call. According to the official, people travelling in private vehicles could still use the roads.
These differing accounts left questions about the precise reasons behind the suspension of intercity bus services.
Punjab Transport Department Secretary Imran Sikandar Baloch could not be reached for comment despite repeated attempts to contact him by phone. Therefore, the transport department’s position on the reported terminal closures remained unclear.
PTI March Continues Amid Transport Disruptions
The transport disruption comes as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) continues its march, which began on October 4 despite warnings from the federal government.
The protest seeks the release of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan. So far, the march has remained within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where PTI holds power.
Meanwhile, preparations to restrict the march have also affected key routes in the province. A day earlier, containers were moved to Swabi Interchange, where PTI had called on supporters to gather.
Containers were also transported to the Indus River bridge on the M-1 Motorway in an effort to block the march. Nevertheless, the motorway and the Grand Trunk Road remained open to traffic at the time of the report.
Passengers Face Uncertainty Over Intercity Travel
The reported closure of Lahore’s bus terminals and the suspension of services created difficulties for passengers travelling to several regions of the country. Those with cancelled tickets faced uncertainty as major operators halted departures.
Although motorway police said the roads remained open, the suspension of bus services highlighted the difference between road access and the availability of public transport.
The situation also raised questions about how long the disruption would continue and when normal intercity operations might resume. However, the available information did not establish a timeline for the restoration of services or clarify the full scope of the reported restrictions.
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