Tech Desk 
Aug 20, 2025
In the wake of Pakistan's urban traffic congestion, coupled with insignificant and inefficient public transportation, a nationwide metro and bus route guide has been the need of the hour for years, but remained unfulfilled. However, Abdullah Qaisar, a young Pakistani, has developed Safar app to transform public transport for residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Stemmed from Qaisar's frustration over missing bus schedules, the app serves as a reliable guide for metro and feeder bus routes that the government has yet to provide.
Earlier this year, as the Capital Development Authority (CDA) announced the launch of electric feeder buses, Qaisar realised the absence of route maps and timings.
Despite observing the movement of buses daily, he struggled to get accurate information online, finding outdated maps and unhelpful Facebook groups. Irked by this, Qaisar utilised his software engineering skills to create Safar, a smart route planning app.
Safar is currently used by over 15,000 people and has identified more than 25,000 routes, providing essential information for commuters. The app is accessible on Android devices and as a web application, with an iOS version in development.
Qaisar expressed his vision for Safar's expansion to other major cities in Pakistan, including Lahore and Karachi, pending collaboration with transport authorities or through meticulous manual mapping.
Despite its success, the Safar app hasn't yet received any official support or recognition from the government. Regardless, it shows how individual initiative can address civic needs and improve public transport accessibility, offering hope for a more connected future for commuters in Pakistan.
