Sindh to introduce electric vehicle production policy, says Sharjeel

The Sindh government will ensure that all relevant agencies collaborate to improve Karachi’s transport infrastructure. It will also introduce a new electric vehicle (EV) production policy.

The assurance to this effect was made at a meeting of the transport sub-committee of the Business Facilitation and Coordination Committee that was held at the Sindh Secretariat on Wednesday.

The meeting was chaired by Sindh Senior Minister for Information and Transport Sharjeel Inam Memon.

Industrialists and business leaders also participated in the meeting and vowed to make joint efforts to ensure the implementation of laws. The meeting was attended by Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Local Government Secretary Khalid Haider Shah, Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi, Sindh Mass Transit Authority Managing Director Kamal Dayo, Trans Karachi CEO Tariq Manzoor Chandio, Traffic DIG Pir Muhammad Shah and others.

Renowned industrialist Arif Habib, Korangi Association of Trade & Industry President Junaid Naqi, Danish Dewan of the Dewan Group, Zubair Chhaya, Zubair Motiwala, Javed Balwani and others were also present.

Memon stated that the Sindh government would soon address the issues related to export and transport. He added that illegally occupied transport lands across the province would be reclaimed within a month to resolve the problems of bus terminals.

He stated that the government would soon introduce a new electric vehicle (EV) production policy as the sector had attracted interest from foreign investors. He emphasised that the futuredlies in electric vehicles and immediate steps needed to be taken in this direction.

The transport minister also mentioned that the Sindh government would soon launch EV taxis, which would not only create employment opportunities but also contribute to the cause of environmental protection.

The mayor stated that no compromise would be made on the writ of the state and the government would ensure strict enforcement of transport laws. During the meeting, Sindh Mass Transit Authority Managing Director Kamal Dayo provided a detailed briefing on the mass transit system and proposed possible measures to address the city's transport challenges. The discussion also covered issues related to the motor vehicle inspection system, improvements to mass transit infrastructure, and business transport.

The industrialists and business leaders praised the Sindh government's ongoing public-private partnership projects and emphasised the need to initiate more such projects. They said that operating the transport sector under a public-private partnership was a historic and commendable move by the Sindh government and urged the government to replicate such moves in other sectors.

Habib stressed the need for coordination between the government and private sector with regard to issues involved with importers and exporters. He stated that strong collaboration between both sectors was essential for resolving these issues.

He also underscored the importance of adherence to the law by all stakeholders to ensure that trade and transport problems were addressed in a fair and legal manner. Taking part in the meeting online, Motiwala suggested that a special committee be set up for the use of cess funds for infrastructure. He emphasised the need for a clear mechanism for enabling the use of the funds in a transparent and efficient manner to improve transport facilities and the road network. Naqi recommended the launch of an awareness campaign to educate the general public and business community about traffic and transport laws. He emphasised that heightened awareness would help instil discipline in the transport system, which would address vehicular congestion issue and improve road safety.