By The Sindh Provincial Government has issued a firm warning as part of its ongoing Women’s Mobility Initiative: Men are strictly prohibited from riding the pink electric scooters provided under the state-supported program. Any violation will result in immediate scooter impoundment and penalties.
This directive comes under the Pink Scooter Project, run by the Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA), which aims to empower female students and working women by providing them with safe, affordable, and independent mobility options across major cities in the province.
What is the Pink Scooter Project?
The initiative launched in Karachi and surrounding districts has already distributed around 200 electric scooters to women in Phase One. An additional 725 scooters are scheduled to be rolled out soon as part of the expanded phase.
The program’s goal is clear:
– Enable women to travel independently
– Improve access to education and employment
– Promote eco-friendly transport options
However, misuse began surfacing when male relatives started riding the scooters, which the government says undermines the purpose of empowerment.
Why Men Are Prohibited from Using Them?
According to SMTA Managing Director Kanwal Nizam Bhutto, the scooters are allocated only to registered female beneficiaries. If men begin using them, “the very purpose of women’s empowerment will be defeated.”
To ensure integrity, the following rules apply:
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Who can ride the scooter? | Only the registered female beneficiary |
| License requirement | Valid two-wheeler license or learner’s permit |
| Registration | Official number plate must be displayed |
| Safety | Helmet use is compulsory |
| Ownership | Unauthorized sale or transfer is prohibited |
Training and Safety Measures
Women selected for the project undergo roads and safety training, including:
- Understanding traffic rules
- Handling two-wheelers safely
- Road awareness and emergency control
This ensures participants are confident, skilled, and safe riders, reinforcing that the program is not just about giving out scooters—it is about building capability and independence.
A Step Toward Economic Empowerment
The Sindh Government has made it clear:
This is not a casual mobility scheme, but a strategic women’s empowerment effort focused on:
- Increasing women’s participation in the workforce
- Reducing dependency on male family members for transportation
- Promoting gender equality in public spaces
The crackdown against violations signals the government’s seriousness in ensuring the project achieves its intended impact.
The Sindh Pink Scooter initiative represents a significant step toward inclusive mobility and gender empowerment in Pakistan. With strong enforcement, proper training, and clear rules, the province aims to create a safer, more independent traveling environment for women.
