The Government of Pakistan has inked a Memorandum of Understanding with the ride hailing service Airlift to start electric battery powered buses in the country to reduce air pollution.
Under the MoU, the company will introduce electric battery-powered buses” in Pakistan. Airlift will provide public transportation service initially in Karachi and Lahore. After these cities, the service will be launched in other cities as well.
The MoU was signed by Minister of Science and Technology Chaudhary Fawad Hussain and CEO,Airlift Usman Gul in Islamabad.
Executive Director Airlift Syed Mehr Haider said that “The company will become pioneers of introducing electric battery buses for Pakistan’s public transport system. Every Airlift bus on the road is a replacement for ten regular cars”.
Chaudhary Fawad Hussain said “These youngsters have pursued this entrepreneurship idea and have managed to rise funding for it. I always tell young people to focus more on entrepreneurship than seeking jobs”.
He further said that future of the Pakistan depends on the endorsement of solar energy and electric vehicles in the country as solar panels will help to produce electricity at a low cost.
He told that production of expensive electricity is one of the major reasons for inflation in the country.
We are plan to take Pakistan Air Force on board and other defense institutions to get help in manufacturing agricultural drones, air ambulances and other products.
Airlift introduce itself as an alternative to Uber, Careem and other public transportation which allowing users to book rides on premium quality and air conditioned buses and vans on fixed routes, stops and times in the city of Lahore and Karachi.
After signing up and logging in Airlift’s App users can reserve their seats by selecting their pick up and drop off locations or browsing the routes.
Recently Airlift raised $12 million, which is the largest Series A investment ever raised by a Pakistani startup and it also marks one of the largest financing in South Asia this year.