In a significant move towards promoting sustainable transportation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a crucial meeting focused on accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across Pakistan. During the meeting, the Prime Minister was presented with a detailed briefing on the current status and future prospects of the EV sector.
Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the government’s commitment to advancing electric vehicle technology as a priority. He instructed the development of a comprehensive financial model to support the widespread adoption of EVs. The model aims to demonstrate how electric vehicles can contribute to saving valuable foreign exchange by reducing the country’s reliance on petrol and diesel imports, while also offering significant environmental benefits.
The Prime Minister directed that consultations be held with the Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of Pakistan to align financial strategies with this initiative. Additionally, he called for reforms in licensing regulations to streamline the production of electric vehicles domestically.
Sharif also stressed the importance of involving all provinces, federal units, and relevant stakeholders in shaping the national electric vehicle policy. This inclusive approach is intended to ensure that the policy benefits all regions and meets the diverse needs of the population.
In a move to encourage the use of electric vehicles among younger generations, the Prime Minister announced that, similar to the laptop distribution scheme, electric motorbikes would be awarded to high-achieving students in government schools. This initiative aims to promote the adoption of green technology among students.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Sharif directed that all federal ministries exclusively purchase electric motorbikes for their operations. This measure is expected to contribute to national savings by reducing expenditure on traditional fuel-powered motorbikes.
The Prime Minister also instructed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to develop a comprehensive plan for integrating electric public transport in Islamabad. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the city’s environmental sustainability.
During the meeting, it was revealed that significant progress has been made in the electric vehicle sector. Since 2022, 49 licenses have been issued for the production of two- and three-wheel electric vehicles, with 25 factories already in operation. The first license for the local production of four-wheel electric vehicles was granted in September 2024, with the first locally-produced electric car expected to be available by December 2024.
Currently, Pakistan boasts a fleet of approximately 45,000 two- and three-wheel electric vehicles and 2,600 four-wheel electric vehicles. Additionally, the government plans to prioritize the installation of charging stations along key routes including motorways, GT Road, and National Highways 5, 65, and 70.
The meeting was attended by key federal ministers including Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Owais Leghari, and Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, along with Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Ali Pervaiz Malik and climate change coordinators.
This comprehensive strategy underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a sustainable and technologically advanced transportation sector in Pakistan.
Leave a Comment