Senior Citizens Welcome Launch of Jinnah Peoples Train Service in Quetta
By Sheikh Abdul Razaq
The launch of the Jinnah Peoples Metro Train Service in Quetta has been welcomed by the Balochistan Senior Citizen Welfare Council as an important development aimed at improving public transport facilities and making urban mobility more accessible for the people of the provincial capital.
Chairperson of the Balochistan Senior Citizen Welfare Council, Ahmad Ali Durrani, appreciated the efforts of Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti for facilitating the launch of the service and described the initiative as a significant step towards providing a more affordable and convenient mode of transportation to the residents of Quetta.
Durrani particularly welcomed the announcement of free travel facilities for senior citizens, saying that such a measure carries special significance for elderly people who often face mobility and financial challenges while travelling within the city. He said the decision reflects attention towards the needs of an important segment of society and provides senior citizens with greater opportunities to travel independently and access essential services.
He pointed out that the provision of free travel facilities for elderly citizens is also consistent with the spirit of the Balochistan Senior Citizens Welfare Act 2017. According to him, recognition of the mobility needs of senior citizens through public transport policies can contribute significantly to their social inclusion, dignity and quality of life.
The chairperson said public transport should not merely be viewed as a means of commuting from one place to another but as an essential public service that connects citizens with healthcare facilities, educational institutions, markets, government offices and other social and economic opportunities. In this context, he said, the introduction of the Jinnah Peoples Train Service could play an important role in improving connectivity across different parts of Quetta.
He also expressed the hope that the provincial government would continue to strengthen policies aimed at protecting the rights and welfare of senior citizens. He emphasized the importance of institutional consultation and said that the Senior Citizen Welfare Council could provide useful recommendations regarding the specific needs and challenges faced by elderly citizens.
Durrani further hoped that the Chief Minister, with the support and guidance of the council, would continue to give due attention to senior citizens in future public welfare initiatives, particularly in areas such as transportation, healthcare, social protection and legislation.
The launch of the Jinnah Peoples Train Service comes at a time when improving urban mobility has become an increasingly important requirement for Quetta. Affordable and accessible public transportation can reduce the difficulties faced by citizens who depend on public transport for their daily activities, while dedicated welfare measures can make such services more inclusive.
For senior citizens, the announcement of free travel represents a practical facility as well as an acknowledgement of their rights and needs. Ahmad Ali Durrani said that such initiatives would be remembered as meaningful measures for the welfare of elderly citizens and expressed confidence that continued cooperation between the government and the Senior Citizen Welfare Council would help develop more effective policies for their wellbeing.
The Senior Citizen Welfare Council’s appreciation of the train service highlights the broader social importance of public transport initiatives. As Quetta’s transport infrastructure continues to develop, ensuring accessibility and affordability for vulnerable and elderly citizens can remain an important component of inclusive urban development.