Mariam Nawaz Launches Punjab'S First E-Taxi Scheme In Lahore

On February 26, 2026, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz officially launched the province's first-ever e-taxi scheme, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan's transportation sector. During the inauguration, she distributed keys to successful candidates and emphasized the scheme's focus on empowering women, stating, "I congratulate the women who will benefit from the e-taxi program, which has a 30% quota reserved for them." The government will cover 60% of the down payment for female drivers and 50% for male drivers, making it financially accessible. The initiative is backed by a substantial subsidy of 4 billion PKR and aims to deploy 1,100 electric vehicles in its first phase, with each vehicle capable of traveling up to 300 kilometers on a single charge, potentially generating monthly incomes of 150,000 to 200,000 PKR for drivers. This program is not only environmentally friendly but also aims to combat smog, which has been a pressing issue in Punjab, as noted by Nawaz, who expressed gratitude for the province's successful smog control efforts this year.