KARACHI: The Sindh provincial government on Monday announced it will launch Pakistan’s first government-run electric vehicle (EV) taxi service in December to give public access to modern, eco-friendly and high-quality travel services.

Electric vehicles are vital to reducing transport emissions, which make up about 10 percent of Pakistan’s carbon output and for cutting a $16 billion annual oil import bill, according to Pakistani government data.

In June, the South Asian country launched its new EV policy that aims to accelerate the country’s shift toward sustainable transport, reduce fossil fuel dependence and curb climate-warming emissions.

Speaking at a meeting of provincial officials, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon noted the provincial administration had already introduced eco-friendly EV buses for the first time in Pakistan.

“In the initial phase, some EV taxis will be reserved exclusively for women,” he was quoted as saying by the provincial information department.

The minister said their Pink Scooty program for women and female students has been widely appreciated by the masses, along with the Pink Bus service for women.

“Now, with the launch of the Pink EV taxi for women, the Sindh government is introducing the country’s first EV taxi service,” he added.

Pakistan, which has experienced erratic weather patterns that experts attribute to climate change, has joined a growing list of nations pushing for zero-emission mobility to curb climate change and urban pollution.

The country’s new EV policy targets 30 percent of all new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030 to cut its reliance on imported fossil fuels. EVs are also expected to offer long-term savings to customers through reduced fuel and maintenance costs.

The South Asian country of over 240 million plans to incentivize EV adoption through tax breaks, subsidies and infrastructure development, including nationwide charging stations.

Memon said the Sindh provincial government will soon run double-decker and additional EV buses to ease transport challenges in Karachi, the provincial capital and the country’s financial hub.

“Work is also underway to develop the necessary infrastructure and charging stations for EV vehicles to ensure the project is sustainable and successful,” he added.