A luxurious yet thrilling bus journey from Islamabad to Lahore
When you think of bus travel, comfort and luxury may not be the first things that come to mind. However, that's exactly what I experienced on a recent journey from Islamabad to Lahore, a five-hour ride through one of Pakistan's most scenic and historically significant motorways. The distance of 375 kilometres between the two cities is covered on the M-2 motorway, which holds the distinction of being the first motorway built in South Asia in 1997.
I made the trip alongside a few other Bangladeshi journalists, all of us heading to Lahore to cover the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal, and perhaps the final, if India didn't qualify. It was a Saturday, a public holiday in Pakistan, and our journey began early in the morning from Faizabad Bus Station in Islamabad. We boarded a 'Faisal Movers' bus, which, to our surprise, had a large number of vacant seats -- about one-third of the bus was empty.
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At first, I was taken aback to see that a lady was supervising the bus. For many visitors to Pakistan, the country is often seen through a lens of restriction and conservatism, but this move of appointing female staff, particularly in all their bus services, showed a side of Pakistan's social progress that may not always be obvious to outsiders.
As we settled into our seats, I realised that this was no ordinary bus ride. The business-class seats on Faisal Movers offered built-in massage functions, a luxury that most people would not expect on a bus. But that wasn't all. The bus came equipped with modern entertainment options, including Wi-Fi, movies, music, and e-books, creating a travel experience that felt closer to an airline flight than anything on the road. Snacks were served later in the journey, adding to the comfort and indulgence of the trip. In fact, the experience was described by some as "A touch of flight experience on roads," a slogan that Faisal Movers had clearly taken to heart.
But it wasn't just the luxury that made this trip stand out -- it was the journey itself. The M-2 motorway, with its smooth six-lane road and picturesque surroundings, is a sight to behold. The drive through the open spaces, rolling hills, and breathtaking views on either side of the motorway made the ride feel like an exploration of Pakistan's natural beauty. With its wide, well-maintained lanes, the motorway gave me a sense of traveling on roads akin to those in Europe or America, a refreshing change from the usual chaotic traffic one might expect elsewhere.
Two hours into the journey, as we approached the Salt Range, a region famous for its extensive rock salt deposits, the atmosphere shifted. The bus made an unexpected stop near Kallar Kahar, a place where the journey would take a dangerous turn. I learned from local passengers that this area was notorious for accidents, and for good reason. A police protocol was in place, and all buses would be escorted through this 10-kilometre stretch by a police convoy.
The reason for this caution was starkly evident. Two years ago, two separate bus accidents in this very region had claimed the lives of at least 25 people, with 80 more injured. The cause of these tragic accidents was reported to be tyre bursts while overtaking on the motorway. Since then, it had become customary for bus companies to follow strict safety measures during this passage. The buses had to limit their speed to just 40 km/h through this dangerous section of the motorway, making the once smooth ride take on a new, more thrilling edge.
The police escort gave us a sense of security as we navigated this challenging stretch, and soon, we were back on track, resuming the journey at speeds of up to 100 km/h. Though the comfort of the bus made it easy to drift off to sleep, the excitement of the experience and the awe-inspiring views outside kept me alert and engaged throughout the ride.
What began as a leisurely ride turned into an experience that balanced luxury with moments of heart-pounding anticipation. In the end, this five-hour journey from Islamabad to Lahore was not just a trip from one city to another -- it was an adventure. With its unmatched level of comfort, the stunning beauty of the M-2 motorway, and the thrill of navigating the Salt Range, this bus ride was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, made even more memorable by the impeccable service of Faisal Movers.
For anyone traveling between these two iconic cities, this journey offers more than just a means of transportation -- it offers an experience that blends luxury with excitement, a true taste of what travel can be when you least expect it.
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