Driving licence, test mandatory to get ‘Pink Scooties’: Sharjeel Memon

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said women will have to hold a permanent driving licence and pass a driving test to qualify for the provincial government’s Pink Scooties scheme.

The requirement means applicants must complete the licensing process and obtain a permanent licence before they can qualify for a scooter under the scheme.

More than 50,000 women apply

Speaking to the media, Memon said more than 50,000 women had applied for driving licences. He compared the figure with the number of women holding driving licences when the electric scooter scheme was launched, saying only 154 women across Sindh had licences at that time.

The increase in applications comes as the provincial government expands the Pink Scooties programme to different parts of Sindh. Memon said the government would provide scooters to eligible women if the number of applicants reached 50,000.

“If 50,000 women have to be given electric scooters, the Sindh government will provide them,”

The senior minister added, “But the scooter will only be given to women who have a permanent driving licence and have passed the driving test.”

Learner licence holders will not qualify

The minister made it clear that a learner licence alone will not be enough to receive a Pink Scooty.

Applicants will have to complete the required licensing process and obtain a permanent driving licence. They will also have to pass the driving test before becoming eligible for the scooter.

The licensing condition comes as the provincial government continues to provide driving training to women interested in the programme. Recent reporting said more than 2,000 women had received driving and related training, with the process continuing in several cities.

Surprise inspections planned

Memon also warned that action would be taken against people who use the scooters in violation of the scheme’s conditions.

He said authorities had received complaints that some recipients had allegedly changed the colour of their scooters so they could be used by men. The minister said surprise inspections would be carried out to check whether the scooters were being used according to the programme’s rules.

He warned that scooters could be confiscated if men were found riding them. The inspections are intended to ensure that scooters distributed under the women-focused scheme remain with eligible recipients.

Pink Scooties scheme expands across Sindh

The Pink Scooties programme is being expanded to different areas of Sindh.

Also Read: Punjab launches 4th phase for CM green tractors scheme for farmers

The provincial government recently announced that Mirpurkhas would be included in the next phase of the programme. Officials have also discussed expanding transport initiatives, including the People’s Bus Service, EV taxis and other public transport projects.

Recent figures show that hundreds of Pink Scooties have already been distributed to women in Karachi, Sukkur and Hyderabad. The Sindh government has described the initiative as a way to improve women’s mobility and provide easier access to education, employment and other daily activities.

Focus on women’s mobility

The electric scooter initiative is aimed at helping women travel more independently and overcome transportation difficulties. The government has also linked the programme to women’s access to safer and more affordable transport.

Memon has previously said the programme is intended to support women’s participation in education, employment and economic activities. The expansion of the scheme means more women across Sindh could have access to electric scooters once they meet the eligibility and licensing requirements.

Other government programmes mentioned

During his remarks, Memon also referred to the Benazir Income Support Programme and other government initiatives aimed at supporting low-income families. He highlighted the Hari Card for farmers and the Labour Card for workers as other initiatives introduced by the PPP-led Sindh government.

He also mentioned development projects in Mirpurkhas and Thar, along with hospitals and universities, while discussing the provincial government’s work. These remarks were part of a broader discussion about government assistance and development programmes in Sindh.

Memon says assistance is not linked to voting

Memon also stressed that people receiving scooters or other government assistance would not be required to vote for the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). His statement came while discussing government schemes and support provided to different sections of society.

The Pink Scooties programme, however, has specific eligibility and usage conditions, including the requirement for a permanent driving licence and a passed driving test. Authorities are expected to monitor the distribution and use of the scooters to ensure that the programme’s conditions are followed.