Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Friday handed over keys to women participants in the newly launched e-Taxi Scheme, a flagship initiative aimed at promoting women’s employment and reducing urban pollution. The scheme, which allocates 30 percent of the 1,100 e-vehicles to women, marks a significant step toward gender inclusivity in the transport sector.

Women-Centric Employment Strategy

The e-Taxi Scheme, introduced as Punjab’s first of its kind, includes a specific provision for women drivers, with vehicles assigned to them marked in a distinct color to ensure visibility and safety. Maryam Nawaz emphasized that the initiative is designed to create decent employment opportunities, particularly for women in the province.

“Punjab has become the first province in the country to launch the e-Taxi Scheme,” said Maryam Nawaz during the ceremony. “This project will provide sustainable employment, especially to women, while contributing to environmental improvement.”

The e-Taxi vehicles, which are electric, are expected to travel approximately 300 kilometers on a single charge, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and decreasing carbon emissions. The Chief Minister also noted that the province has been working consistently to combat smog, with visible improvements in air quality over the past months.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

The e-Taxi Scheme aligns with Punjab’s broader environmental goals, including the deployment of green buses to every tehsil in the province. The initiative is part of a larger effort to promote clean energy and reduce urban pollution, which has been a persistent issue in many Pakistani cities.

According to the Chief Minister, the project is expected to have a ripple effect on the economy. “The e-Taxi Scheme will not only provide jobs but also reduce fuel costs and improve the overall transport infrastructure,” she said.

The scheme is being rolled out in two phases, with the first phase involving the distribution of 1,100 e-vehicles. The second phase is expected to expand the initiative further, potentially increasing the number of vehicles and the number of women employed in the sector.

Economic Relief and Social Initiatives

During the event, Maryam Nawaz also highlighted other economic and social initiatives undertaken by the Punjab government. She noted that the price of bread and flour has remained stable in the province for the last two years, and that Ramadan bazaars have been established in every tehsil to support local traders and consumers.

Additionally, Punjab has launched the country’s first free air ambulance service, which provides emergency medical transport at no cost to citizens. The Chief Minister also mentioned that the province has taken steps to control inflation and provide relief to citizens during the holy month of Ramadan.

“We have made significant progress in controlling inflation and ensuring that every citizen receives relief during Ramadan,” she said. “These efforts reflect our commitment to improving the quality of life for all Punjabi citizens.”

The e-Taxi Scheme, with its focus on women and the environment, represents a complex approach to economic development and social welfare. It is expected to have long-term benefits for both the environment and the workforce, particularly for women seeking stable employment.

With the first batch of e-Taxis already in the hands of women drivers, the initiative is set to expand in the coming months. Officials have not yet provided a timeline for the second phase, but the government has indicated that it will continue to prioritize environmental and economic sustainability in its development plans.