Pakistan, Afghanistan To Restart 'Dosti' Bus Service From 2022 After Halt Of 5 Yrs

<p><strong>New Delhi: </strong>Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to restore the stopped 'Dosti' bus service between the two countries in 2022, a step that would help alleviate the travel hardships of those living across the two nations' border, as per the media reports on Monday.</p> <p>During a recent visit by an Afghan delegation led by interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, the decision was made to restart the bus service by early next year.</p> <p>According to The Express Tribune, the bus service between Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Jalalabad, Afghanistan, will restart early next year.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Afghan delegation's top official stated that the security forces of both nations are awaiting final approval for the bus operation to resume.</p> <p>&ldquo;The Pakistani side welcomed the Afghan interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi&rsquo;s request for resumption of Dosti bus services and assured that at most by the start of the next year, the bus service will resume,&rdquo; the official was quoted by The Express Tribune in its report.</p> <p>In 2016, the bus service between the two nations was suspended.</p> <p>According to the article, the reintroduction of the service will assist to reduce foot traffic at border crossings and will benefit Afghan residents living in or near Jalalabad.</p> <p>The visiting envoy also indicated an interest in launching similar services in the Balochistan region.</p> <p>&ldquo;Talks have taken place on the resumption of bus services between the two sides. All outstanding issues have been addressed&rdquo;, the report further said.</p> <p>Pakistan has recently taken a number of goodwill initiatives, including making it easier for Afghan students to travel.</p> <p>(With inputs from PTI)</p>