Trained women will soon be driving the signature pink buses that will be visible across Karachi. Mehran Depot is now hosting the last stage of training for female drivers, which is scheduled to end on January 15.
Pakistan still has a long way to go before its gender equality goals are met, but fearless women in Karachi are stepping up to the plate and trying new things in unconventional industries in an effort to close the gap. The pink buses that are reserved for female passengers will now also be driven by female passengers.
The Sindh Mass Transit Authority, an agency of the Sindh government, has reportedly begun teaching 18 women how to operate diesel, electric, and hybrid buses. Skills and equipment including driving, engines, batteries, communication, and safety measures are all part of the training.
Kiran Iftikhar told The Express Tribune that nothing is impossible if one has lofty goals while riding a shotgun in a hybrid bus. She stressed that women can and will prove themselves capable of driving buses. Kiran encouraged other women to leave the house, get an education, and find meaningful work.
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) would initially allow women with valid driver’s licenses to operate, according to Abdul Shakur, Operational Manager of People’s Bus Service. As a means of promoting diversity and inclusion, the Sindh Mass Transit Authority hopes to hire transgender people.
Instructor Advocate Zakia Sultana briefed female drivers on safety regulations and how to avoid accidents. Zakia emphasized that self-assured women from all around Sindh, even those pursuing doctorate degrees, had taken up the job of bus driver. In addition to highlighting the importance of equality for all individuals, Zakia encouraged transgender people to reach out.
The need to make women drivers aware of driving-related rules and how they can protect themselves was emphasized by advocate Ahsan Ali. portions 279, 320, 8, and General Defence were among the portions he listed to help women be prepared legally in the event of a stop or fine.
The Motorway police have already completed the first round of training, and the second stage will take place at Mehran Depot.
The inclusion of women as pink bus conductors and drivers is a powerful symbol of strong women who are fighting prejudice and building a more accepting world.
