ISLAMABAD: To address transportation challenges faced by female students and teachers in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Schools, the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training intends to introduce a complimentary transport service.
Approximately 20 buses from federal educational institutions will be readied and deployed with assistance from the district administration.
This initiative will allow female students and teachers from both public and private schools to commute free of charge within the urban and rural areas of the federal capital, supported by the district administration.
Designated for women and girls, these buses will be visually identified by their pink paint. The education secretary noted that this action aims to counter the escalating dropout rate among girls attributed to inadequate transportation facilities.
An internal audit revealed that 30% of the total 385 buses in federal educational institutions were rendered inactive due to various reasons such as budget constraints, driver shortages, and delayed maintenance.
The official emphasized that in the future, women will also be accommodated in these buses based on availability.
It was further disclosed that these buses will be operational by June 15, 2024, catering to the transportation needs of female students and teachers.