
Sindh announces plan for unified ride-hailing system and electric vehicle taxis in Karachi
Listen to article
The Sindh government has unveiled plans to streamline all ride-hailing services in Karachi by implementing a unified regulatory framework, alongside the introduction of an Electric Vehicle (EV) taxi network.
The announcement was made during a high-level meeting of the Sindh Transport Department, chaired by Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon.
The meeting also included key officials such as Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar, Transport Secretary Asad Zaman, and Sindh Mass Transit Authority MD Kamal Dayo.
Minister Memon highlighted that the unified system would enhance service quality, ensure passenger safety, and promote fare transparency across the city.
'We are working towards bringing all taxi services under a single, efficient system that guarantees fare transparency and strict vehicle inspections,' he stated.
As part of its green transport strategy, the Sindh government is also fast-tracking the launch of an EV taxi service to modernise the city's taxi network and reduce environmental pollution.
Efforts are underway to make EV taxis more accessible through easy financing options, including installment plans.
The government is also focusing on gender-inclusive mobility by introducing a pink scooter programme aimed at women. In the first phase, 1,000 pink scooters will be distributed free of charge to working women and female students.
'This initiative reflects our commitment to women's empowerment and their access to safe and reliable transport,' Memon said.
Furthermore, the Sindh government plans to phase out traditional buses in Karachi, relocating them to other districts, and replacing them with electric buses.
Double-decker buses are set to arrive in June, with additional buses expected by early July.
To support this transition, the government is working on the development of infrastructure, including EV charging stations and designated parking areas.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Express Tribune
FBR may detain 'tax evaders' sans warrants
Data shared with lawmakers reveals that over the past three years, the number of registered business taxpayers has increased by 5.3 million . PHOTO: EXPRESS The business community condemned the federal government's decision to allow the Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) to arrest traders and industrialists on suspicion of tax evasion. Office bearers of the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Trade and Small Industry (HCSTSI), in their reaction to the federal and provincial budgets, categorically rejected the insertion of Section 37AA into the Sales Tax Act, on Sunday. They contended that the powers authorised to the FBR are unconstitutional and undemocratic besides being inimical to trade and industry. HCSTSI President, Muhammad Saleem Memon stated "granting FBR officers the power to arrest any trader without a warrant and to detain them for up to 14 days is a gross abuse of authority and a clear violation of human and economic rights." The chamber demanded the government withdraw from this decision, warning that if the authorities remained stubborn, the business community would resort to nationwide protests. With regard to the much delayed Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway project, the chamber complained that a paltry sum of Rs15 billion was earmarked for FY 2025-26, for a project requiring around Rs400 billion. Memon argued "at this pace the project may take a decade or more to complete." The business community viewed the allocation as a reflection of the centre's disregard for vital road projects, which would benefit hundreds of millions of people travelling within Sindh, and towards Punjab.


Business Recorder
11-06-2025
- Business Recorder
Sindh govt allocates budget for EV taxis, scooters in FY26
The Sindh government has decided to allocate a significant budget in the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26 for the procurement of additional buses and promotion of electric vehicles, including EV taxis and scooters. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting of the Sindh Transport and Mass Transit Department held in Karachi, chaired by Sindh Senior Minister and Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon. The meeting was attended by Secretary Transport Asad Zamin, MD Sindh Mass Transit Authority Kamal Dayo, CEO TransKarachi Fawad Ghaffar Soomro, and other senior officials. A comprehensive review of ongoing and proposed projects, including the Peoples Bus Service and EV scooters initiative, was presented during the meeting. Sindh govt steps up efforts aimed at launching EV taxi service next month Discussions also focused on the development of charging infrastructure for EVs at multiple locations across the province. Minister Memon was briefed on the progress of projects undertaken during FY2024-25 and held in-depth discussions on the proposed initiatives for FY2025-26. The Sindh Mass Transit Authority also informed the minister about potential partnerships under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for launching new bus services. The forum was further informed that the critical segment of the Yellow Line BRT, including the Jam Sadiq Bridge, has been completed and may be inaugurated later this month. Memon instructed concerned authorities to expedite work on the Red Line BRT to ensure its timely completion. Speaking on the occasion, the senior minister said the Sindh government is committed to developing an environmentally sustainable and modern public transport system. 'We are striving to provide affordable and eco-friendly transport options to the public,' he said. He added that more buses are expected to arrive in Karachi soon, and the city will also see the introduction of double-decker buses. 'We've already launched successful initiatives like EV buses and the Peoples Bus Service in Karachi, and we are working to expand this network across the entire province,' he noted. Memon emphasized that the government aims to ensure modern transport services for citizens throughout Sindh. 'Our projects are aimed at streamlining traffic and modernizing the transport system on contemporary lines,' he concluded.

Express Tribune
11-06-2025
- Express Tribune
Hyd-Sukkur Motorwaya must for Pakistan's trade: Sharjeel
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has stressed that the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway is not just vital for Sindh but holds strategic importance for Pakistan's overall trade and connectivity. He pointed out that the Karachi Port is the central hub for the country's imports and exports, and there is no more suitable route than the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway to facilitate this movement. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Memon emphasised that Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has repeatedly reminded the federal government of the urgency of this project, even sending official letters. "Recently, federal ministers gave assurances that funds for the project would be included in the upcoming budget," he said. However, Memon clarified that the construction of the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway is the responsibility of the federal government, not the Sindh government. "We were told that this project would start soon and be completed quickly. But with the amount that has been allocated, the project cannot begin promptly, nor can it be completed on time," he added. Calling the allocation mere "token money," Memon said the budgeted amount is wholly inadequate for a project of such scale. "Large infrastructure projects of this nature require full funding, not symbolic allocations," he said. "These are typically multi-year projects, requiring at least 30-40% of the total budget in the first year-just like other national projects receive." He criticised the federal government for allocating only Rs15 billion, saying it reflects neither fairness to the project nor seriousness about national development. "This allocation does not serve the interests of Pakistan," he asserted. Sharjeel Memon also expressed serious reservations over the budgetary allocations for the K-IV water supply project, stating that the funds earmarked were highly insufficient.