Pakistan plans rapid electric vehicle expansion as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif orders faster implementation measures, highlighting cost savings, energy security and public interest demand.
He directed authorities during a meeting to accelerate initiatives promoting electric vehicles, emphasizing quicker execution of policies already introduced under the national electric vehicle framework.
Officials informed the meeting that 72 certificates have been issued for electric motorcycles and rickshaws, while four certificates have been granted for electric vehicles.
Officials further added that 123 applications have been received so far for establishing electric vehicle charging stations across different parts of the country various.
A government plan aims for 30 percent of vehicles nationwide to run on electricity within five years, saving up to four point five billion dollars.
The meeting was told that government employees up to Grade 16 will be offered electric bikes through easy instalment schemes to support wider adoption.
PM said promoting electric vehicles would reduce fuel import dependence, improve environmental conditions, and strengthen energy security amid regional challenges and future requirements.
He also instructed authorities to ensure transparency in subsidies for electric motorcycles provided to low income individuals and to accelerate implementation of the existing scheme.
Last week, Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change chairperson Sherry Rehman urged government to accelerate electric vehicle adoption.
She noted only 60,000 electric vehicles have been produced against 600,000 target, while transport sector leads pollution at 48 percent according to committee officials.
The committee was informed that Pakistan aims to install 3000 EV charging stations by 2030, but only eight stations are operational so far.
Over 1000 individuals registered for new charging points, while Senator Sherry Rehman urged rapid expansion and called banks to introduce EV financing schemes accessibility immediately.
