Terror attack threats: Delhi-Lahore bus service restricted to Wagah border

Lahore: For the first time since the Pak-India 'Dosti' bus service was launched between New Delhi and Lahore, Pakistan has restricted its entry here and Nankana Sahib cities, citing increased ‘terror threats’.

The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation has said the Pak-India Dosti or friendship bus service will now on be operated only up to Wagah Border.

"The PTDC has shifted the entire bus operation at its sub-office at Wagah. Passengers leaving for New Delhi and Amritsar from Lahore will now have to board the bus at Wagah. Similarly, those arriving at Lahore from across the border by the service will disembark at Wagah too," an official of PTDC told PTI.

He said the decision has been taken in the wake of growing terror threats. After the Taliban militants killed 150 people mostly children at an army-run school in Peshawar on December 16, the Nawaz Sharif government is not taking chances with regard to security matters.

Earlier, police used to escort the buses from Wagah to Lahore's Gulberg and Nankana Sahib terminals. Similarly, the police used to provide escort to the Dosti buses from Gulberg and Nankana Sahib to Wagah.

"Although it will cause hassle for the passengers of the both sides but we have taken the steps for their security," the official said, adding the government might consider restoring the old terminals (Gulberg and Nankana Sahib) after reviewing the law and order situation.

The bus service between the two countries was started March 16, 1999 primarily to enhance people-to-people contact.