A Father’s Words Spark Kashmir’s First Woman-Led Cab Service

Suhail Khan

 

Srinagar, Jan 10: As women continue to shape the union territory through their achievements, another inspiring chapter is being written. A young woman from North Kashmir’s Sopore is leading the way in yet another male-dominated field by launching her own cab service, which aims to create employment opportunities amid an unprecedented job crisis.

 

In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, women are no longer on the sidelines they are at the forefront, actively shaping the future and authoring a new narrative of success.

 

Over the past five years, a women-led revolution has transformed women’s empowerment, encouraging young women and fostering an environment where change is tangible. Today, hardly any girl feels she cannot pursue her aspirations in Jammu and Kashmir.

 

Speaking exclusively with Kashmir Convener, Sadia Bhat said she was motivated by the increasing unemployment rate. “It is clear now we cannot be dependent on government jobs. My father taught me that serving people is a great and noble virtue, and he instilled this value in me from childhood.”

 

“When I was young, my father would take me to school and often said a line: ‘If you live for yourself, what life is that? Live, O heart, for the world.’ That is what motivated me to launch this cab service,” she said.

 

Sadia added, “It also shows that children learn what we teach them. So, I learned all this from my family.”

 

Sadia, a resident of Sopore’s Model Town, told Kashmir Convener that she contemplated how to contribute to society, especially in a way that benefits people. “I created a proposal, discussed it with my family my brother, my father, my husband—and thus, the idea for Buraaq Cab Service came to be.”

 

She said that although the initial stage was quite challenging, she gradually accepted the challenges and did not hold back from moving forward.

 

“It is quite obvious that when you, as a woman, choose to lead in male-dominated work, challenges are there. But it is your willpower that decides how to tackle all the inconveniences and follow your dreams,” Sadia said.

 

“For me, it was also a tough time initially, but Alhamdulillah, with family support, I overcame it and have established the smooth functioning of this service.”

 

Currently, a significant number of drivers and transporters are affiliated with Buraaq Cabs, and there are plans to further extend the service. “My motive is to make things easier for people, especially in travelling. We see that people in far-flung areas of Kashmir, be it in the northern or southern region, still face inconvenience. Through Buraaq Cabs, I am trying to ease their transportation-related difficulties.”

 

“No work is insignificant; every work is like worship and should be respected as such. Then, there is always a bright result for every effort. This is also a message for women: do not be shy, value and respect time, and what you can do today might take time to accomplish tomorrow. It is better to strive to stand on your own feet.”

 

Notably, the Buraaq Cabs initiative also marks the valley’s first women-led cab service.

 

Buraaq Cabs is more than just transport; it addresses mobility gaps while redefining women’s roles in entrepreneurship.