LUMS recently convened the 2nd Symposium on Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in Pakistan. Held in collaboration with HEC Pakistan, World Bank, and International Finance Corporation (IFC), the event focused on accelerating the country’s transition to electric mobility.
Bringing together policymakers, academics, industry leaders, and experts, the symposium addressed key challenges and opportunities for electrifying Pakistan’s transportation sector. Discussions and presentations covered various areas, including the current state of EVs in Pakistan, international best practices, industry perspectives on demand, supply, charging infrastructure, and financing options.
An exhibition showcasing EV-related products and services further enriched the event. Notably, the symposium served as a crucial platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration between the government and industry players across the BEV value chain.
Dr. Shakeel Sadiq Jajja, Chair of the Symposium and Associate Professor at LUMS, highlighted the environmental benefits of BEVs while emphasizing the need for sustainable energy sources to power them. He also pointed to the potential for BEVs to drive the development of new industries critical to the future economy, such as battery manufacturing, robotics, big data, and analytics.
Representatives from the World Bank and IFC underscored their commitment to supporting Pakistan’s electric mobility journey. Ms. Jen Jungeun Oh, World Bank’s Practice Manager for Transport (South Asia), stressed the importance of concerted action, prioritizing electric two and three-wheelers and buses due to their widespread use and socio-economic significance. Strategies like strengthening policies, promoting local procurement to reduce costs, and unlocking affordable financing were identified as key drivers.
Mr. Zeeshan Sheikh, IFC’s Country Manager for Pakistan and Afghanistan, highlighted IFC’s global investments in e-mobility initiatives exceeding $3 billion. He expressed their commitment to leveraging their experience to support the private sector and the Pakistani government in creating an environment conducive to wider BEV adoption and investment.
The symposium served as a testament to the collective commitment of LUMS, HEC, the World Bank, and IFC to foster innovation and address pressing societal challenges through collaboration. By facilitating knowledge sharing and collaboration, the event aimed to pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future for transportation in Pakistan.
