KARACHI: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has decided to establish a regulatory authority to oversee the operations of the soon-to-be-launched environmentally friendly e-taxi service.

A statement issued on Tuesday said that Mr Memon chaired a meeting to discuss steps to develop a “robust” EV charging network in major urban and rural areas across the province.

The meeting was attended by Transport Secretary Asad Zaman, Managing Director of Sindh Mass Transit Authority Kamal Dayo, Project Director of Peoples Bus Service Sohaib Shafiq, and others.

“The introduction of modern, eco-friendly transportation system is aimed at encouraging investment in the transport sector,” the minister said, adding: “A regulatory body is being established to monitor and regulate the operations of the EV taxi service. The taxis will be equipped with intelligent systems, advanced payment solutions and state-of-the-art security features.”

The minister also highlighted plans to develop a central command and control system to ensure efficient management and monitoring of the EV taxi fleet.

He said that a comprehensive EV charging network infrastructure was crucial to support the operation and expansion of the EV taxi service. He described the initiative as a significant step toward building a modern, sustainable, and environmentally friendly transport infrastructure in Sindh.

“Our goal is to position Sindh as a pioneer in green transport solutions across Pakistan,” he said.

During the meeting, the senior minister directed officials to expedite preparations for the EV taxi service, ensuring the development of all necessary infrastructure, legal frameworks, and facilitation measures for investors.

“This initiative is expected to set a benchmark for eco-friendly transport solutions in Pakistan while supporting the province’s journey toward sustainable development and economic progress,” the minister said.

Published in Dawn, January 22th, 2025