The Sindh government has approved the purchase of 500 electric buses for Karachi and other urban transport routes. The expansion aims to improve public transportation, reduce pollution, and strengthen Pakistan’s transition toward electric mobility solutions. The project will affect thousands of daily commuters across Karachi through new routes and expanded transport access.
Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced the decision while addressing the Sindh Assembly on Tuesday. He said the Policy Board formally approved the procurement of the electric buses. According to the minister, the buses will initially operate on three major routes across Karachi. These routes will connect Ittehad Town, Banaras Colony, Liaquatabad, Jahangir Road, and Cantt Station.
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Additionally, the provincial government plans to introduce routes serving Orangi Ghaziabad, Iqbal Market, Walika, Nazimabad No. 2, Ayesha Manzil, and Zahoor Chowk. Sharjeel said the Pakistan Peoples Party pioneered electric bus services in the country. He also noted rising ridership on the Orange Line transport service. Furthermore, new transport routes have recently launched in Tando Allah Yar, Khairpur, Ranipur, and Rohri.
Earlier this year, Sharjeel inaugurated a new EV bus route linking Gulshan-e-Maymar with Tower in Karachi. During that event, he highlighted the Sindh government’s efforts to improve urban mobility and women’s empowerment. He said the province introduced Pakistan’s first Pink Bus Service and Pink Scooties program for women commuters. Officials believe these projects will improve safe transportation access for female passengers across the province.
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The minister also acknowledged challenges faced during the procurement process for electric buses. He said imported EV buses were initially held at the port and faced higher taxation. According to Sharjeel, the Sindh government paid 18% tax compared with lower rates charged elsewhere. Despite these hurdles, officials described the approval as a major step toward cleaner and modern public transportation in Pakistan.