Experts question few electric buses in Pakistan, call for wider transport overhaul 

The picture shared by Sindh Mass Transit Authority on November 7, 2022, shows an electric bus during a test run in the port city of Karachi, Pakistan. (Sindh Mass Transit Authority)
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Updated 13 March 2023
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Experts question few electric buses in Pakistan, call for wider transport overhaul 

  • Launched in Jan, Karachi’s 50 e-buses can each carry 70 passengers, travel 240km on single charge
  • The fleet of these e-buses, which cost $15 million, was funded through a public-private partnership

ISLAMABAD: For Karachi-based Raja Kamran, swapping his motorcycle commute for Pakistan’s first-ever electric bus service has saved cash — and helped him avoid some of the city’s pollution. 

A small fleet of fully electric buses started operating in the country’s financial capital in January as part of a government drive to cut worsening air pollution produced by vehicles and industry, power plants and brick kilns, as well as the burning of solid waste. 

“The electric bus service has not only decreased my weekly traveling costs but also helped (with) my ... health problems,” the 50-year-old journalist said by phone, noting that he had suffered back pain while riding his motorcycle to work. 

However, Kamran said there were not enough e-buses — only 10 of the initial fleet of 50 are currently running — and that he sometimes had to wait 45 minutes to catch one of them. 

Urban air pollution is a major and longstanding problem across Pakistan, with the country ranking third worldwide out of 118 nations for worst air quality in 2021, according to IQAir, a Swiss pollution technology company. 

Bad-quality air is a leading cause of death in the South Asian nation of about 224 million people, resulting in an estimated 236,000 premature deaths in 2019, the latest Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study says. 

With concerns growing over the number of vehicles on the roads — there were 30.7 million in Pakistan in 2020, up from 9.6 million in 2011 — cities such as Peshawar and Karachi have announced plans to promote greener transport. 

Karachi’s 50 e-buses can each carry at least 70 passengers and travel 240 km (149 miles) on a single charge. 

The fleet, which cost $15 million, was funded through a public-private partnership, with a transport company purchasing the buses and operating them for eight years before the Sindh provincial government takes over as owner. 

The government is now in talks with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), seeking a loan of about $30 million to purchase an additional 100 buses, according to Abdul Haleem Shaikh, secretary of Sindh’s transport and mass transit department. 

“We want to provide people with emission-free, comfortable and luxury buses along with trained staff to discourage them from using their smoke-emitting cars and motorbikes,” he said. 

Yet environmental and urban experts have questioned whether the small number of electric buses will have a significant impact, and called for a much wider and more meaningful transport overhaul. 

System change needed? 

Consecutive climate disasters — from heatwaves to forest fires — have struck Pakistan in the last few years, and the country is still recovering from unprecedented floods in 2022. 

But air pollution remains one of the country’s main environmental concerns, with at least 40 percent of dirty air in Pakistan produced by vehicles, the country’s climate change ministry has said. 

In November 2019, Pakistan’s government set a target to bring a half million electric motorcycles and rickshaws, along with more than 100,000 electric cars, buses and trucks, into the transportation system within five years. The current overall number on the roads is unknown. 

Pakistan has a longer-term goal of ensuring that a third of all cars and trucks and half of motorcycles and buses sold by 2030 are electric, and has generally vowed to ramp up its efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the years leading up to that date. 

In the northwestern city of Peshawar, the provincial government is taking old buses off the road and replacing them with diesel-electric hybrid models as part of a new public transport system. 

And in Karachi, in a push separate from the 50 new e-buses, the government has been rolling out a network of 250 vehicles fueled by bio-methane produced from water buffalo manure. 

Yet the bus initiatives in Karachi — both newer and older — have been criticized by some analysts, who say they do not do enough to lower pollution. 

A better focus would have been reducing the total number of cars and motorcycles on the roads, and creating more public awareness about the impact of air pollution, said Muhammad Toheed, associate director at the Karachi Urban Lab of the Institute of Business Administration. 

“A commuter that uses his own smoke-emitting vehicle or bike to get to his workplace does not understand what cruelty he is committing with the environment,” he said. 

Yasir Husain of the Darya Lab, a consultancy firm dealing with environmental issues, said at least 1,500 rather than 150 e-buses would be needed to have any impact in reducing emissions in Karachi. 

“The government also should provide soft loans through easy financing to promote the use of e-bikes, and e-rickshaws,” said Husain, who is also the founder of Green Pakistan Coalition, an advocacy group. 

Shaikh, the transport secretary, acknowledged that the 150 new electric buses would not do much to reduce air pollution in isolation, but pointed to the bio-methane vehicles and also highlighted the 29 traditional bus routes covering the city. 

He said Pakistan’s current economic crisis and the financial toll of the 2022 flooding would not hinder the rollout of more e-buses, as such funding would come from international lenders. 

Bhevish Kumar, a 24-year-old entrepreneur, said he had been taking the new e-buses to attend business meetings but was skeptical that the limited fleet would really do much to clean Karachi’s choking air. 

“There is need for its expansion and more penetration of e-bus services into the city’s transport system to ensure that people do not burn ... fuel in their vehicles,” he said. 


Pakistan eyes ‘multibillion-dollar benefits’ as it plans direct ferry link to Oman

Updated 04 July 2025
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Pakistan eyes ‘multibillion-dollar benefits’ as it plans direct ferry link to Oman

  • Pakistani minister says Oman can boost regional ties via maritime corridor to South and Central Asia
  • He proposes boosting bilateral trade through improved port infrastructure and closer cooperation

KARACHI: Pakistan and Oman have agreed to deepen maritime cooperation, including launching a direct ferry service between Gwadar and the Sultanate, in a move that Islamabad says could unlock billions of dollars in trade, investment and transit revenue.

The development follows a high-level meeting on Thursday between Pakistan’s Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Oman’s Ambassador Fahad bin Sulaiman bin Khalaf Al Kharusi.

Both officials emphasized the need to boost maritime connectivity and capitalize on their long-standing economic and cultural ties.

“Minister Junaid Chaudhry underscored the economic potential of launching a direct ferry service from Gwadar to Oman, projecting multi-billion-dollar benefits in trade expansion, investment inflows and transit revenue,” said an official statement issued after the meeting.

“He stated that Pakistan stands to earn an estimated $10–15 billion annually through Gwadar’s maritime operations, while Oman could establish a maritime corridor to South and Central Asia, significantly enhancing its regional connectivity,” it added.

A view of newly constructed highway connecting to Gwadar port in the coastal city of Gwadar, Balochistan, Pakistan on January 14, 2025. (AP/File)

Earlier this week, the government announced its plan to launch a ferry service connecting Gwadar Port, a centerpiece of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, aiming to strengthen regional ties, improve passenger movement and access new markets across the Middle East.

Pakistan’s minister of maritime affairs said his country’s exports to Oman stood at $224 million in 2024, and stressed the need to scale this up through improved port infrastructure and bilateral collaboration.

As part of long-term cooperation, he also offered maritime training and education opportunities for Omani students at the Pakistan Marine Academy.

The Omani ambassador welcomed the proposals and emphasized the importance of expanding cultural and commercial ties.

He acknowledged the positive contributions of the Pakistani diaspora to Oman’s development and noted that Urdu was widely understood in his country, reflecting strong social bonds between the two nations.


Tensions rise for Imran Khan’s party as Punjab speaker signals opposition disqualifications

Updated 03 July 2025
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Tensions rise for Imran Khan’s party as Punjab speaker signals opposition disqualifications

  • Malik Ahmad Khan says lawmakers violating constitution have no place in the provincial assembly
  • KP Governor Faisal Kundi has also hinted at a no-trust move against PTI-backed CM Gandapur

ISLAMABAD: Political temperatures rose on Thursday as Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmad Khan, suggested opposition lawmakers backed by Pakistan’s jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan could be disqualified from the provincial legislature.

Earlier, the speaker had suspended the membership of 26 lawmakers supported by the former premier’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party for 15 sessions following chaotic scenes during Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s speech during budget proceedings last month.

However, the issue of their disqualification gained traction a day after PTI announced a nationwide protest movement against the government in response to a Supreme Court ruling that denied the party reserved seats for women and minorities in national and provincial legislatures.

“Lawmakers violating the Constitution have no right to remain part of the provincial assembly,” the speaker told reporters on Thursday.

He maintained creating disruption in an assembly was wrong for any political party.

“I will fight this case to uphold the Constitution,” he continued. “I have exercised restraint for over a year and a half as speaker … I now have to fulfill my responsibilities as speaker.”

Last month, Pakistan’s top court upheld a verdict by the Peshawar High Court, ruling that the PTI was not entitled to reserved seats for women and minorities in national or provincial assemblies. The Supreme Court’s constitutional bench ruled that since PTI candidates had contested the February 8 general elections as independents after losing their electoral symbol, they could not claim reserved seats under proportional representation.

The fallout from the Supreme Court verdict has also rattled the PTI’s traditional power base in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province where the party managed to form its government.

KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, who represents the federal government, has warned that a no-confidence motion could be tabled against PTI-backed Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, a close aide of the jailed former prime minister.

Gandapur, however, has dismissed concerns about his government’s stability, saying there is no constitutional way to remove him from office.


European climbers complete rare alpine-style ascent of Nanga Parbat’s deadly Rupal face

Updated 03 July 2025
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European climbers complete rare alpine-style ascent of Nanga Parbat’s deadly Rupal face

  • German climber David Göttler paraglided from near the summit in a daring solo descent
  • Nanga Parbat is infamous for its high fatality rate, earning it the nickname ‘Killer Mountain’

ISLAMABAD: Three European climbers achieved a rare feat on one of the world’s most dangerous peaks, scaling the treacherous Rupal face of Nanga Parbat in alpine style, with one of them paragliding down from near the summit in a daring solo descent earlier this week.

German climber David Göttler was joined by French mountaineers Tiphaine Duperier and Boris Langenstein for the climb via the Schell route, a steep and rarely successful line up the mountain’s massive southern wall. The Rupal face, rising nearly 4,600 meters from base to summit, is considered the world’s highest mountain face and among the most technically demanding.

“Sometimes you need to be patient … It’s taken five attempts, but now that I’ve achieved it, I know it’s all been worthwhile,” Göttler wrote in a social media post on Tuesday, describing his 12-year pursuit of the route.

He said summiting with his teammates in alpine style was “incredible,” and added that being able to fly down from around 7,700 meters to base camp in the same day took his joy “to the next level.”

Unlike traditional expedition climbing, alpine style involves climbing in a single push without establishing fixed ropes or pre-stocked camps, requiring climbers to carry all their gear. The approach demands speed, efficiency and a high degree of skill, especially at high altitude.

“It’s been a long time since an expedition has successfully summited from the Rupal side,” Naiknam Karim, CEO of Adventure Tours Pakistan, which facilitated the expedition’s logistics, told Arab News over the phone. “Normally, people climb from the Diamir face.”

“What makes this climb special is that they did it in alpine style ,” he continued. “What’s even more remarkable is that Göttler paraglided down from the summit. So, that’s his special achievement.”

Nanga Parbat, the world’s ninth-highest peak at 8,126 meters, is infamous for its difficulty and high fatality rate, earning it the nickname “Killer Mountain.”

Over 100 climbers and porters have died on its slopes, with the Rupal face considered particularly unforgiving due to avalanche risk and exposure to extreme weather.


Pakistan pushes ahead with agri bank privatization under IMF-backed reform plan

Updated 03 July 2025
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Pakistan pushes ahead with agri bank privatization under IMF-backed reform plan

  • The Privatization Commission Board appoints financial advisers for the sale of Zarai Taraqiati Bank
  • An official statement mentions ZTBL among the priority transactions in the privatization pipeline

KARACHI: The government on Thursday appointed a consortium of financial advisers for the sale of Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL), a state-owned agricultural lender, according to an official statement.

The decision, made during a meeting of the Privatization Commission (PC) Board chaired by Muhammad Ali, Adviser to the Prime Minister, signals the government’s intent to fast-track key transactions under its broader economic reform program.

The board approved the selection of a consortium led by Next Capital Limited, which ranked highest among six qualified bidders.

“ZTBL is among the priority transactions in the current privatization pipeline. The appointment of a top-tier consortium of FAs [financial advisers] reflects the government’s strong commitment to executing the process in a professional, transparent and timely manner,” the Privatization Commission said in a statement.

Pakistan’s privatization program, long encouraged by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under various loan arrangements, is aimed at reducing fiscal losses from poorly performing state-owned enterprises (SOEs), improving governance and boosting private sector participation.

The IMF has repeatedly called for structural reforms, including divestment from commercial entities, to ease pressure on public finances and strengthen the country’s economic outlook.

Alongside the appointment, the PC Board also approved the formation of a Negotiation Committee to finalize the Financial Advisory Services Agreement (FASA) with the selected consortium.

Other shortlisted bidders included major consortiums led by Arif Habib Limited, A.F. Ferguson, AKD Securities, Bridge Factor and JS Bank.

ZTBL provides agricultural credit and rural banking services across Pakistan.

Its privatization is seen as part of a broader effort to reform the financial sector and reduce the state’s commercial footprint.


Utility Stores employees vow resistance as government plans shutdown from July 10

Updated 03 July 2025
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Utility Stores employees vow resistance as government plans shutdown from July 10

  • Workers’ union says closure will affect over 11,000 direct and 5,500 indirect employees
  • A committee will discuss Voluntary Separation Scheme with union members on Friday

ISLAMABAD: The Utility Stores Corporation (USC) employees’ union on Thursday vowed to resist the government’s decision to shut down retail operations by July 10, saying it would fight for the rights of over 11,000 workers by initiating protests, sit-ins and legal action.

Established by the government in 1971, the corporation has a nationwide chain of retail outlets that provide essential commodities to the general public at prices lower than those in the open market.

The corporation took over 20 retail outlets at the beginning but now operates 6,000 stores across the country. The government allocated Rs65 billion ($229.7 million) to subsidize the products sold by the retail chain in the last fiscal year.

One of its spokespersons confirmed to Arab News the corporation’s public retail stores will be closed by July 10, adding that all operations will shut down by the end of the month.

“We have received instructions from the Ministry of Industries and Production to close down all the stores by July 10, shift remaining goods to warehouses and completely shut down operations by July 31, 2025,” Sajid Marwat, USC Public Relations Officer, said.

Meanwhile, Arif Shah, Secretary General of the All Pakistan Workers Alliance of Utility Stores, said the union will use all available avenues to protect the corporation and its employees.

“We will pursue both options, challenging the decision in court and staging on-ground protests including a sit-in at the [USC] headquarters,” he told Arab News.

“In total, around 17,000 people — including 11,500 direct employees of Utility Stores, 2,000 to 2,500 vendor staff and 3,000 franchise store workers from 1,000 to 1,200 outlets — will be affected by the closure,” Shah said, adding the authorities had already terminated around 4,100 employees.

He maintained the institution has remained in existence for 55 years, and shutting it down was not the government’s sole prerogative.

“If it is truly necessary to close this institution, the decision should be approved by parliament,” he said.

Shah noted that during emergencies and disasters, the corporation stood at the forefront to provide relief items and ensure food security due to its big presence all over the country.

He pointed out if the government was determined to shut it down, then at the very least, the employees should be given a fair and respectable voluntary separation scheme (VSS) package to help absorb the financial shock.

Asked about the possibility of offering such a proposal, USC spokesperson Marwat said a human resource committee would convene on Friday to review the issue in consultation with union representatives and the management.

“The union is not accepting the current terms as they are demanding compensation packages for everyone, including daily wage laborers and contractual staff, as all categories of workers are being affected,” he informed, adding that the government was considering a financial deal for regular employees.

Under the package for regular staff, the government is planning to offer two or three month of basic salary.

“But based on mutual consultations, the committee will prepare a comprehensive package for the outgoing employees,” he added.

Raja Miskeen, a USC employee for over two decades, termed it completely wrong to shut down Utility Stores, saying it would put the livelihood of thousands of employees like him and their families at risk.

“We are waiting for the official written order, after which we will challenge this move in court,” he told Arab News.

“We are also in contact with our unions, urging them to develop a joint strategy that includes protests, sit-ins in the federal capital and legal action,” he added.

Miskeen said the employees have dedicated many years to the corporation, adding that it had been functioning well.

“We are not against restructuring or improving its operations, but a complete shutdown is simply unacceptable,” he added.

Ayesha Anwar, a regular customer at the USC in Islamabad’s G-6 sector, said she had been shopping at Utility Stores for years, as their quality goods and subsidized rates had always helped stretch her household budget.

“Sugar at the store costs Rs164 per kilogram [$0.58], while in the open market it is around Rs200 [$0.71]. Similarly, price differences exist for other essential items as well,” she said, adding that closure of these stores would deeply affect the public, especially low-income families.