300 pink electric scooters distributed on International Women's Day

Sharjeel says programme aims to empower women and ease their mobility

KARACHI:

The Sindh Transport Department, in collaboration with the Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA), distributed 300 pink electric scooters among women on the occasion of International Women's Day on Sunday.

The distribution ceremony, held at a local hotel, was attended by senior government officials, lawmakers, and representatives of civil society. Addressing the event, Provincial Minister for Information Sharjeel Inam Memon extended greetings to women on International Women's Day, saying women play a central role in society.

The senior minister said the provincial government had launched several initiatives aimed at empowering women, including the Pink Bus Service, which also employs women drivers.

He announced that the government was introducing a programme to provide electric scooters to women to facilitate their mobility and reduce travel costs.

According to him, applicants would be required to have a permanent driving licence and proof of education or employment, while free driving training would also be provided.

"The aim of the Pink Scooty Programme is to empower women, enable them to travel independently and bring a positive change in society," he added.

He said the government wanted to make women economically independent and change societal attitudes towards their role.

The ceremony was attended by provincial ministers Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Saeed Ghani, and Qasim Siraj Soomro, Karachi's Deputy Mayor Salman Murad, Secretary Transport Asad Zamin, members of the PPP Ladies Wing, women lawmakers, and other social figures. The event was also addressed by Provincial Minister Shahina Sher Ali, Nafisa Shah, Sharmila Farooqui, filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, and Managing Director SMTA Kanwal Nizam Bhutto, among others.