Shehbaz Sharif launches EV drive for Islamabad traffic police to cut fuel costs

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday underscored the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) as a strategic step to curb petroleum consumption and safeguard Pakistan’s foreign reserves. Speaking at the handover ceremony for Islamabad Traffic Police, he said such eco-smart initiatives should be replicated across all provinces and law enforcement agencies.

The Interior Ministry provided the first batch of 15 battery-powered EVs, with additional vehicles planned for induction. Each vehicle, after a full charge, can cover 350–400 kilometers, with fast charging taking 60–90 minutes and standard charging 6–8 hours. Compared with petrol-powered vehicles, each EV is projected to save up to Rs0.55 million per month, recovering procurement costs in roughly 13–14 months.

The EVs will patrol key avenues of Islamabad, each staffed with a captain, two responders, and a driver in special uniforms. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and the police team for executing the project, emphasizing that these steps not only reduce energy dependence but also contribute to long-term fiscal and environmental benefits for the country.