Sindh takes the lead to empower women

KARACHI:

The Sindh cabinet has approved several key projects, including the procurement of 1,000 pink electric motorcycles for women, double-decker buses and electric vehicles (EVs) for the metropolitan city, and the improvement of Keejhar Lake.

One of the key decisions was the approval of a programme aimed at enhancing female mobility through sustainable transportation. The Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA) plans to introduce 1,000 pink electric motorcycles specifically for women at a cost of Rs300 million.

These bikes will be distributed through an open balloting process. Eligible applicants must be permanent residents of Sindh, either students or working women, and agree not to sell the two-wheelers for seven years. The cabinet believes this project would empower women by offering them greater mobility, independence, and economic opportunities.

The cabinet also greenlit the procurement of 50 public transport buses for the metropolis. This includes 15 double-decker buses to operate on Sharae Faisal and 35 electric buses for other routes in the city. The Rs3 billion project aims to provide a cleaner, more efficient public transport system for Karachiites.

The cabinet was informed that the provincial government is working with the Centre on the Greater Karachi Bulk Supply Scheme K-IV to increase water supply by 1,200 cusecs. This scheme, which has a budget of Rs39.94 billion, is crucial for ensuring sustainable water access for the city’s growing population.