ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday called for the formulation of a comprehensive strategy to make electric vehicles (EVs) more accessible to the public, as part of Pakistan’s commitment to environmental sustainability and economic growth. The announcement came during a meeting in Islamabad focused on promoting EVs in the country, with the Prime Minister highlighting the potential savings in fuel import costs, environmental protection, and the growth of the local EV industry.
PM Shehbaz emphasized that introducing EVs could significantly reduce Pakistan’s reliance on fuel imports and foster local industry. He also announced that electric bikes will be provided to top-performing students across the country, including those in the federal educational board, as part of a broader initiative to promote EV adoption.
In addition, the Prime Minister directed that the government prioritize employment generation through the provision of electric rickshaws and loaders to unemployed individuals, further boosting economic opportunities while supporting the transition to cleaner transportation options. The development of a comprehensive ecosystem for EV manufacturing and maintenance in Pakistan was also instructed to ensure the sustainability of the local EV industry.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of transparency in the distribution process, calling for third-party validation of the EV subsidy scheme and government support mechanisms. He also emphasized that economically disadvantaged individuals should receive priority in accessing EVs under the government’s assistance scheme.
A public awareness campaign on the EV subsidy initiative is set to be launched, with a focus on ensuring that the electric bikes, rickshaws, and loaders distributed meet high-quality and safety standards. The scheme will see over 100,000 electric bikes and 3,000 electric rickshaws/loaders made available under easy terms, with a 25% quota for women and additional allocations for provinces based on population. The Prime Minister also directed an increase in Balochistan’s quota by 10%.
The scheme aims to attract at least four new battery manufacturers to Pakistan, promoting investment, business growth, and job creation. The Prime Minister directed the swift rollout of the program based on these recommendations to support the national push for a cleaner, more sustainable transport sector.
