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| PoK authorities in a practical dilemma | | Financial constraints threaten cross-LoC bus services | | B L KAK
NEW DELHI, OCT. 3: Pakistan's Foreign Ministry has failed to understand the virtual plight of the authorites in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), which is the product of financial constraints, if not crisis. Even as Pakistan Foreign Office has asked the administration in Muzafarabad, capital of PoK, to resume the bus service from Muzafarabad to Srinagar and from Rawalakot to Poonch, there is little movement.
According to reports from Muzafarabad, the authorities in PoK have expressed inability to resume bus services to the Line of Control (LoC) from Muzafarabad and Rawalakot. Their inability, these reports say, is the outcome of the continuing financial and administrative constraints.
In April 2005, India and Pakistan launched the first bus service between Srinagar and Muzafarabad. The buses on either side were to carry passengers to terminals close to the LoC, from where the travellers would cross the line on foot after completion of formalities. The buses brought passengers from across the LoC on their way back.
Last year's earthquake played havoc with road infrastructure in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The outcome: Cros-LoC bus service had to be suspended. Reports from Muzafarabad say that there is not any major threat to the smooth running of the Muzaffarabad-Srinagar bus service. The problem is somewhat serious for the administration in Pakistan-held Rawalakot sector across Indian territory of Poonch (Jammu region).
Parvaiz Yaqub, a Pakistani offical designated for the Rawalakot-Poonch crossing point, has been quoted as saying that the inability to resume the bus service is because of the "fact that we do not have any vehicles" to transport pasengers from Rawalakot to the border village. He has also been quoted as saying: "We do not have any financial head to purchase a bus".
Pakistan's influential English daily, Dawn, has reported that Parvaiz Yaqub had conveyed the problem to the Pakistan Foreiogn Office in response to its directive that a bus should ber purchased for the passengers. Initially the Pak Foreign Office had promised to provide a bus for the Rawlakot-Poonch service.
But the commitment was not fulfilled. A pre-fabricated terminal had been built near the LoC for passengers of Rawlakot-Poonch service by the PoK Public Works Department at a cost of Rs 7.6 million. However, the terminal lacked furniture and other necessities, mainly because of non-availability of funds. |
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