Metro bus service in Islamabad and Rawalpindi has been restored after the protest of Metro bus service employees ended.
Rawalpindi Islamabad Metro Bus Service was suspended due to protests against dismissals by employees. Protesters staged a sit-in on the metro track and stopped the bus service, causing severe hardship to citizens.
Daily commuters earlier today reported that the metro bus service had been suspended at several stations due to non-payment of staff salaries.
Reports circulating on social media suggest that Metro Bus services in the Islamabad and Rawalpindi sections were facing disruption early morning due to a sit-in protest by Metro staff over alleged non-payment of salaries.
Passengers were advised to make alternate travel arrangements as there are concerns that services could be suspended during peak morning hours.
Speaking to Pakistan Connect, a daily commuter Sabir Shah Hoti said that he arrived at metro station near IJP road and was surprised to see the station closed around 7am.
A school student, Saman said “My father dropped me at metro station, now I’ve to book a costly ride to reach school.”
Last week, in a separate development, fire broke out in the engine compartment of a metro bus travelling from Islamabad to Rawalpindi, causing panic among passengers but resulting in no reported injuries.
According to media reports, the incident occurred while the bus was en route during peak travel hours. Smoke was first noticed coming from the rear engine section, prompting the driver to immediately stop the vehicle and evacuate passengers.
Eyewitnesses said passengers hurriedly exited the bus as flames and thick smoke spread from the engine area. Rescue teams and firefighters arrived shortly after being alerted and managed to bring the fire under control before it could engulf the entire vehicle.
The incident took place on a busy section of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro Bus route near the Faizabad Interchange, one of the twin cities’ busiest transport hubs.
Passengers reportedly smashed the bus windows to escape after the doors allegedly failed to open in time, managing to evacuate before the fire intensified. Videos captured by eyewitnesses and passersby showed thick smoke rising from the bus as commuters fled the scene in panic.
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