The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government has introduced an electric rickshaw developed under its KP Science Agenda, marking another step in its efforts to promote locally driven technological innovation and sustainable mobility. The vehicle was officially unveiled during a High Technology and Product Development Exhibition held at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar, where senior officials and stakeholders gathered to review a range of high tech initiatives backed by the provincial administration. The exhibition served as a platform to highlight how research driven projects are being translated into practical products with economic and social relevance for the province.
According to provincial authorities, the electric rickshaw is designed as a non polluting alternative to conventional fuel powered vehicles and aligns with broader goals to encourage green transportation across urban centers in KP. Officials explained that the shift toward electric mobility can significantly lower operating costs for drivers by reducing fuel expenses and routine maintenance requirements. As a result, rickshaw operators could potentially earn up to twice the income compared to those using traditional petrol or CNG based vehicles. The government views this model as a way to combine environmental benefits with improved livelihoods, particularly for workers who depend on public transport for daily earnings. Visitors to the exhibition were briefed on the manufacturing process, battery system, energy efficiency, and overall design of the electric rickshaw, which has been developed using local expertise and resources.
Beyond electric mobility, the exhibition featured a wide range of indigenous technologies aimed at strengthening healthcare, education, and industrial capabilities within the province. Among the showcased products was artificial skin developed for burn treatment, a solution intended to support hospitals in managing complex injuries more effectively. Locally produced PCR diagnostic kits for Hepatitis B and C, HIV, and other diseases were also displayed, highlighting progress in biomedical research and diagnostic self reliance. Additional innovations included liquid oxygen technology designed for mining operations, electronic surgical instruments for medical procedures, and an electronic study card system intended to support students through digital learning tools. Organizers provided detailed briefings on each product, emphasizing how local manufacturing can reduce dependency on imports while creating skilled employment opportunities.
Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi attended the exhibition as the chief guest and underscored the provincial government’s focus on emerging technologies, particularly in advanced materials and biomedicine. He stated that such initiatives are part of a broader strategy to support economic growth by encouraging value added use of natural resources through technology driven solutions. According to the Chief Minister, the projects on display reflect a practical commitment to innovation led development and demonstrate how public sector support can help translate research into market ready products. He added that strengthening local technology ecosystems is essential for achieving long term self reliance and building a sustainable economic future for the province.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
