Punjab has reported a significant rise in electric motorcycle registrations as its Green Credit Programme gains traction. According to official figures, Lahore saw 755 new electric motorcycles registered last month alone, taking the cumulative total under the scheme to 1,248. The initiative is a central pillar of the provincial government’s plan to transition 30 percent of all transport to electric by 2030, a goal environmental specialists say will help reduce air and noise pollution in urban centres.
Environment Department spokesperson Sajid Bashir stated that the uptake of e-bikes is already visible on Lahore’s roads, where the quieter and cleaner vehicles are beginning to ease congestion and cut harmful emissions. The programme incentivises buyers through a subsidy of Rs100,000, paid in two instalments. The first Rs50,000 is provided at the time of purchase, while the second Rs50,000 is disbursed after the rider covers 6,000 kilometres within six months, verified through the Green Credit App. Officials note that this verification mechanism is designed to ensure the bikes are actively used and contributing to emission reductions rather than sitting idle. Experts estimate that widespread adoption of electric motorcycles could cut thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year, making it one of the most impactful initiatives for sustainable urban mobility in Pakistan.
Despite the progress on electrification, Punjab still faces major environmental challenges. In a recent enforcement operation, the Environment Department in coordination with the Lahore Transport Authority intercepted a trailer near Thokar Niaz Baig carrying 41 tonnes of used tyres illegally transported from Karachi. These tyres were reportedly bound for pyro plants, where they are burned as fuel for factories and steel mills. Officials warn that the practice releases toxic emissions, exacerbates smog and poses severe public health risks. Deputy Director of Environment Ali Ejaz emphasised that burning used tyres causes long-term environmental damage and called for stricter enforcement to curb such activities.
Authorities in Punjab view the Green Credit Programme as a model for encouraging citizens to adopt sustainable technologies while simultaneously cracking down on polluting practices. By combining incentives for clean transport with targeted actions against environmental violations, the province aims to accelerate the shift towards cleaner cities. Environmental experts believe that if current momentum is sustained and supported by effective enforcement, Punjab’s approach could set a precedent for other regions seeking to balance economic activity with public health and ecological protection.
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