Govt denies of giving e-rickshaws to students: Details inside

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s current government has announced a handful of initiatives for students, including laptops, e-bikes, solar setups and more.

Amidst the youth-focused programs, a clipping from an Urdu newspaper is circulating online stating that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifhas announced electric rickshaws and loaders for position-holding students across the country. The claim is being widely shared and criticized, with many questioning the government’s priorities.

Several social media activists, including anchorperson Maleeha Hashmey, have also shared a clip expressing concern over the government’s vision. The headline in question is: “PM announces electric rickshaws and loaders for top students”, sparking outrage and mockery online.

Amidst the outrage over these bizarre posts, Daily Pakistan fact-checked and found the claim false and out of context.

It began with a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in which he announced that the federal government would provide electric bikes (e-bikes) to high-performing students of education boards across the country. The move is part of a broader strategy to promote eco-friendly transportation and help deserving youth.

In the same meeting, the prime minister directed the authorities to prepare a comprehensive plan to make electric vehicles more accessible to the common man. He said that any scheme run by the government that includes e-bikes, rickshaws, or loaders must ensure high safety and quality standards.

Furthermore, the meeting discussed a separate scheme aimed at providing electric rickshaws and loaders to low-income earners on easy installments, not to students.