Claim: The Punjab government’s newly launched e-taxi service will be called ‘Maryam Taxi’.
Fact: There is no evidence yet that the Government of Punjab’s pilot project of electric taxis will be called ‘Maryam Taxi.’ Moreover, Pakistan Observer has denied publishing any such report.
An image attributed to Pakistan Observer, featuring Punjab’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz alongside a yellow cab, has been widely shared online. It includes the following embedded text: “Punjab Govt. to start E-Taxi in Lahore
Will be called ‘Maryam Taxi’”
Politician and former Federal Minister for Water Resources, Chaudhary Moonis Elahi, also reposted (archive) the claim on X, writing, “Maryam taxi?? Seriously? 🤣.”
Punjab government launches E-taxi scheme
In May 2025, the Punjab government approved a pilot project involving 1,100 electric taxis and solar-powered charging stations as part of its eco-friendly transportation initiatives. During a special meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, a detailed briefing was given on the province’s e-taxi project. The meeting granted in-principle approval for the financial model of the scheme, which included government subsidies, and proposed setting up charging stations alongside petrol pumps.
On 4 June, the Punjab government opened registrations for the e-taxi project as part of the Chief Minister’s Green and Clean Transport plan. Launched as a pilot project in Lahore, the programme aims to provide safer, more affordable, and eco-friendly transport options, with vehicle models currently being shortlisted for inclusion in the scheme.
Fact or Fiction?
Soch Fact Check searched Google for “Punjab government,” “launched,” and “Maryam taxi,” but did not find any credible results to support the claim. According to the Government of Punjab’s Directorate General of Public Relations, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved a pilot project involving 1,100 electric taxis in May. However, no official name for the project is mentioned in the report.
The official communication channels of the Punjab government, the PML-N, as well as relevant news reports did not include any announcements or evidence either which stated that the service will be called “Maryam Taxi.”
Soch Fact Check then reviewed the Pakistan Observer’s website, Facebook, and Instagram accounts and found that no such report was published by the outlet itself. In fact, the publication shared a screenshot (archive) of the viral claim on Instagram and clarified:
“Pakistan Observer strongly condemns the circulation of fake posts falsely associated with our name and logo. We are taking this matter seriously—legal action will be taken against those responsible for spreading misinformation. Stay alert, verify facts, and help us stop the spread of fake news.”
Virality
The claim was shared here, here, here, here, here, and here on Facebook. Archived here, here, here, here, here, and here.
On X, it was shared here, here, here, and here. Archived here, here, here, and here.
Conclusion: There is no evidence as of now that the Punjab government’s newly launched electric vehicle taxi service will be called ‘Maryam Taxi’. Additionally, Pakistan Observer denied publishing any such report in a recent statement, stating that the image circulating online was falsely attributed to the publication.
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Background image in cover photo: Daily Times
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