Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for an accelerated transition from petrol powered vehicles to electric vehicles across Pakistan, emphasising the urgency of adopting cleaner and more sustainable transport solutions. The directive was issued during a high level review meeting on electric mobility, where officials briefed the government on ongoing initiatives and future targets aimed at transforming the country’s transport landscape. The push reflects growing concerns over rising fuel import costs, environmental impact, and long term energy security challenges facing the country.
During the meeting, the prime minister stressed that efforts to promote electric vehicles must be intensified, noting that the transition is essential not only for economic stability but also for environmental protection. Officials informed the meeting that Pakistan is working toward a target of converting 30 percent of its vehicles to electric power within the next five years. This shift is expected to generate fuel savings of approximately 4.5 billion dollars, significantly reducing pressure on foreign exchange reserves and lowering dependency on imported oil.
The government is simultaneously advancing multiple policy and infrastructure measures to support this transition, including incentives, local manufacturing support, and the development of charging infrastructure. Authorities revealed that dozens of licences have already been issued for the production of electric motorcycles and rickshaws, while over a hundred applications have been received for establishing charging stations nationwide. These steps indicate a coordinated approach toward building a comprehensive electric mobility ecosystem that integrates manufacturing, infrastructure, and consumer adoption.
In addition to broader policy measures, the government is also focusing on targeted adoption strategies, including plans to provide electric bikes to government employees on easy installments. This approach is intended to encourage early adoption at scale while making electric mobility more accessible to a wider segment of the population. As Pakistan continues to align its transport sector with global sustainability trends, the emphasis on electric vehicles highlights a shift toward technology driven solutions that address economic, environmental, and energy related challenges simultaneously.
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