Pakistan will start a bus service within 2004 from Islamabad to China, the Middle East and Iran with the cooperation of the private sector, the official Associated Press of Pakistan reported Sunday.

An unnamed official from the Islamabad District Transport Authority said Sunday that different national companies have offered their services to share the mega plan and that only one company has been recommended yet while others are being considered. 

The schedule of the bus service to different countries will be announced at the time of launching the project, he said, adding that the service will definitely promote trade and tourism among these countries which would bring prosperity in the region.

The procedure regarding the service will be finalized shortly, the official said.

(Xinhua News Agency July 5, 2004)