‘Madam CM, Sindh was first’: Sharjeel Memon reacts to Maryam’s electric buses claim

Sindh Information and Transport Minister Sharjeel Memon has reacted to a claim by Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz, setting facts straight regarding the launch of electric buses as public transport by a provincial government.

“Punjab is going to be the 1st province to transform its Mass transit to electric vehicles. 1st fleet of 27 e-Buses has arrived. Buses equipped with Wifi, Female Section, Wheelchair ramps, CCTV & Seating for Special persons. Bus stops will be revamped with Water coolers & Mist Fans [sic],” Maryam wrote on X while posting pictures of Punjab’s newly-arrived electric buses.

Quoting her post, the Sindh info minister and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader corrected CM Maryam, stating how Sindh had launched electric buses back in January 2023. “Madam CM, It’s good to know that after Sindh, Punjab is the second province who has started EV Buses [sic].”

Memon went on to support his claim by sharing news clippings confirming the launch of Pakistan’s first electric bus service in Sindh two years ago. “Dates of launch of EV Buses in Sindh are visible in these posts,” he wrote.

The post was followed by Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari’s response to her counterpart.

“Apologies, but I don't understand why you people are becoming so insecure these days. First, summoning traders and scolding them over a conversation made in jest, and now this? By the way, after the Orange Line, three metro projects, Speedo buses, and electric bikes, this is the next step. Anyway, the real situation and story of public transport in Sindh is a topic for another time,” she wrote.

The conversation continued as Memon replied to Bokhari, urging that the provincial chief executive of Punjab fixed her post.

“We are not insecure, madam. I just want to correct the facts. My suggestion is kindly edit the tweet of CM sahiba and tell people that you are not the first who started you are second province who started after two years of Sindh [sic],” he said.

Punjab CM on Friday inaugurated the province’s first fully electric bus service in the provincial capital city, Lahore. The new fleet consists of buses with a capacity of 30 seats and the ability to carry 80 passengers.

The electric buses are equipped with modern amenities, including GPS tracking, Wi-Fi, USB ports, and ramps for people with disabilities.

To ensure efficiency, nine specialized charging stations have been set up, and each bus will be able to cover a distance of 250 kilometers on a full charge.