PM Directs Acceleration of Electric Vehicle Promotion Efforts

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed to accelerate ongoing measures to promote electric vehicles (EVs) in the country. Chairing a meeting in Islamabad today, he noted that considering the current regional situation and future needs, the promotion of EVs will not only reduce the burden of fuel imports but is also crucial for environmental protection and energy security.

According to Radio Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that under the National EV Policy, transparency should be ensured in the subsidies provided for electric motorcycles for low-income individuals, and the implementation of this scheme should be accelerated. The meeting was briefed on the ongoing measures to promote EVs nationwide.

It was informed that seventy-two manufacturing certificates have so far been issued for electric motorcycles and rickshaws, and four for electric cars. A total of one hundred and twenty-three applications have been received for the establishment of EV charging stations.

The country plans to have thirty percent of the vehicles running on electricity over the next five years. This transition is expected to save about 4.5 billion dollars in fuel costs. Additionally, the meeting was informed that electric bikes will be provided on easy installments to government employees up to grade sixteen.