Balochistan Launches Subsidized Electric Bikes Scheme for Women, Students, and Citizens

Quetta: The Balochistan government has officially launched a subsidized electric bikes scheme aimed at providing affordable, eco-friendly, and convenient transport for working women, female and male students, and the general public. The initiative, inaugurated by Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, will initially prioritize working women and female students, with pink-colored bikes introduced specifically for women for the first time in the province.

According to the scheme, electric bikes can travel up to 100 kilometers on a single charge. The government plans to distribute 20,000 electric bikes in the first phase in Quetta, with a gradual expansion to other districts. Each bike costs PKR 175,000, of which the government will provide a PKR 52,500 subsidy, while the remaining amount will be paid by the recipient in easy installments.

The selection of beneficiaries will be conducted via a transparent online lottery system, ensuring that applicants do not need to visit the city to participate. Interested individuals can apply through an online portal, prioritizing working women first, followed by female and male students.

The Balochistan government has signed an agreement with the National Bank of Pakistan to facilitate the provision of electric scooters on subsidized and installment-based terms. This initiative aligns with similar successful schemes previously launched in Punjab and Sindh, which have encouraged citizens to adopt electric bikes over fossil fuel-powered motorcycles.

Chief Minister Bugti highlighted that the program aims to reduce transportation difficulties, promote environmentally friendly transport, and gradually reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The launch event was attended by the Chief Secretary of Balochistan, provincial ministers, assembly members, and representatives from various educational institutions.