Chinese consortium has announced a substantial $340 million investment in Pakistan’ EV sector. This investment aims to revolutionize the local automotive market by establishing a cutting-edge EV manufacturing plant and an extensive network of charging stations nationwide. The announcement was made during a press briefing in Karachi, which saw the participation of key business leaders such as Arif Habib, Zubair Tufail, Khalid Tawab, and Mirza Ishtiaq Baig.
The investment is part of a joint initiative between Pakistan’s Malik Group and China’s ADEN Group, with the latter playing a pivotal role in financing the project. Malik Group Chairperson, Malik Khuda Bakhsh, shared that this project represents a major leap toward the future of transportation in Pakistan. The first phase of this ambitious plan includes the installation of 3,000 charging stations across the country, with the first 30 charging stations expected to arrive from China in the next ten days.
The project’s scale and impact are noteworthy, especially considering the push towards adopting electric vehicles as part of Pakistan’s broader environmental and energy sustainability goals. This initiative will not only increase the availability of charging infrastructure but also provide a much-needed local manufacturing base for EVs, making electric mobility more accessible to the masses.
Speaking at the event, Sindh Energy Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah expressed the provincial government’s strong support for the project, including the provision of land for the plant. Shah also revealed that the Sindh government plans to purchase over 20% of the vehicles produced at the Karachi manufacturing plant as part of a government-backed push to adopt electric vehicles across the region. This step is seen as an essential move in encouraging the widespread use of EVs, offering financial and environmental benefits for both the government and the public.
Yasser Bhambani, CEO of ADEN Group, outlined the financial structure of the venture. The investment will see $90 million directed toward the establishment of the charging stations, with the remaining $240 million earmarked for the construction of the EV manufacturing plant. The plant is slated to begin production by December 2025, with a targeted annual output of 72,000 vehicles. This marks a major step forward in the local production of EVs, reducing reliance on imports and strengthening Pakistan’s position in the growing global EV market.
Beyond catering to the local market, the company has ambitious plans for regional expansion. Pakistan’s EVs are set to be exported to the Middle East, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, expanding the potential of this industry well beyond Pakistan’s borders. This aligns with broader goals for regional economic integration, fostering trade, and increasing Pakistan’s footprint in the emerging electric mobility market.
The government’s strong support for the EV sector in Pakistan is critical for the success of such initiatives. The establishment of this manufacturing plant and charging network is a direct response to the growing demand for eco-friendly transportation options. Furthermore, it highlights Pakistan’s commitment to tackling climate change, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting clean energy.
The establishment of charging infrastructure is another key component of this initiative. With EV adoption limited by the availability of charging stations, the rapid expansion of this network is expected to alleviate concerns among potential EV buyers. The first operational charging station has already been set up in Karachi, with Lahore scheduled to follow. The nationwide expansion will likely encourage more consumers to make the switch to electric vehicles, which have long been seen as a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
The announcement of this investment is also in line with Pakistan’s broader drive to boost green technology and sustainable energy solutions. The government has set ambitious targets for renewable energy and electric mobility, and this $340 million investment signals confidence from foreign investors in Pakistan’s growing EV market.
As the EV manufacturing plant nears its production start date in late 2025, the ripple effects of this investment are expected to be far-reaching. With increased domestic production and charging infrastructure, this project is poised to not only reshape the automotive landscape in Pakistan but also contribute to job creation, technology transfer, and a cleaner environment. The successful implementation of this project will also bolster Pakistan’s attractiveness as an investment destination for foreign companies looking to tap into the burgeoning electric mobility sector.
This joint venture between Malik Group and ADEN Group is a powerful testament to the potential of cross-border collaboration in fostering technological advancements and meeting the growing demands of a modern, sustainable economy. As this ambitious project takes shape, it is clear that Pakistan is on the cusp of a new era in electric mobility—one that promises to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and position the country as a leader in the green transportation movement.
