Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has announced that the provincial government will introduce a Sindh Taxi Scheme with a special focus on women passengers and drivers.
He shared the update while speaking in the Sindh Assembly and linked the new plan with the government’s wider effort to improve women’s mobility across the province.
Earlier, the Sindh government launched the Pink Scooty Scheme to help women travel independently for education, work, and daily responsibilities.
Now, the proposed Sindh Taxi Scheme will add another transport option for women who may not own a vehicle or feel comfortable using regular public transport.
Memon said the upcoming EV Taxi Scheme will include pink taxis as part of its services.
He added that the provincial government will soon share further details about the plan, including its rollout and operational model.
Meanwhile, he said the government has taken clear steps to protect the purpose of the Pink Scooty Scheme.
According to him, traffic authorities have been instructed to take action when men use pink scooters intended for female beneficiaries.
He said authorities received complaints that some male family members, including brothers, had started using the vehicles.
Therefore, the government wants to ensure that women continue to receive the scheme’s direct benefits.
Memon described the Pink Scooty Scheme as an important step for women’s empowerment in Sindh.
He said only around 150 women had driving licenses when the program first started.
However, he said the situation has changed quickly as thousands of women have now shown interest in learning to drive.
According to the minister, nearly 25,000 women have applied for driving licenses since the initiative began.
He said this growing number reflects a major shift in how women view personal mobility and independent travel.
As more women apply for licenses, the government plans to expand support through transport initiatives.
Memon said the government will provide more scooties when the number of eligible women drivers increases.
He added that even if 100,000 women secure driving licenses, the provincial government will continue working to provide transport support.
The proposed Sindh Taxi Scheme may also create new earning opportunities for women who want to work as professional drivers.
Moreover, pink taxis could offer safer travel choices for women, students, office workers, and families in major cities.
The plan also supports Sindh’s push toward electric transport and cleaner mobility solutions.
Memon said Sindh became the first province in Pakistan to introduce electric buses for public transport.
He argued that the government has taken practical steps instead of limiting its work to announcements.
He also responded to criticism about the number of pink scooties distributed under the program.
According to him, the scheme has already encouraged many women to apply for driving licenses.
This, he said, shows that the program has created demand and confidence among women across the province.
The Sindh Taxi Scheme could become the next major step in this wider transport strategy.
Alongside transport initiatives, Memon highlighted the Sindh Revenue Board’s performance.
He claimed that the board recorded 24 percent growth in tax collection.
In comparison, he said the Federal Board of Revenue recorded 10 percent growth during the same period.
The minister said stronger revenue collection can help the province fund public services, transport projects, and development schemes.
For now, the government has not announced a launch date, eligibility criteria, fare structure, or the number of pink taxis under the planned scheme.
However, the announcement has drawn attention for combining women’s mobility, electric vehicles, and job opportunities into a single policy direction.
