KARACHI: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to launch an electric-taxi service in the province.

A ceremony was held at the Sindh Government Officers Club, where the MoU was signed under the patronage of Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon.

Speaking at the event, Mr Memon said that the project reflects the vision of President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.

He said the Sindh government has taken the lead in the transport sector, and its projects have influenced many countries around the world.

He thanked Sindh Bank and other stakeholders for their important role in the project and said that the effects of war are long-lasting, so it is the responsibility of governments to create employment opportunities for youth. He added that this project is part of that effort.

Mr Memon said that whenever vehicles are purchased, the Sindh government prioritises EVs. He noted that EVs are being imported into Pakistan from various countries and are gaining public preference.

He added that there is a plan to establish an EV manufacturing plant in the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone and encouraged industrialists to invest in this sector.

He added that the Pink Bus Service includes female drivers and conductors and has been widely appreciated, while EV buses were launched in Pakistan for the first time, along with the introduction of Pink EV scooties.

He said that when the Pink Scooties scheme was launched, only 160 women had licences, but now 20,000 women have applied.

The Sindh government is also providing free scooty training to women and encouraging them to come forward, as this is how positive change is achieved in society.

Speaking at the ceremony, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Investment Qasim Naveed Qamar said that improving transport has long been a shared goal, and that Sindh Bank has played a significant role in social development.

He added that the Punjab government has also initiated a similar programme, and the federal government is considering the same approach, with public welfare measures implemented through this platform over the past ten years.

Sindh Bank President Anwar Sheikh said that given current environmental conditions, EVs are the need of the hour. He extended his best wishes to the Sindh government, the Transport Department, and Sindh Mass Transit Authority.

The ceremony was attended by Transport Secretary Asad Zamin, SMTA Managing Director Kanwal Nizam Bhutto, representatives of the private sector and others.

Published in Dawn, April 2nd, 2026