PM Directs Finalization Of E-Vehicles Policy By Nov

APP

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the relevant authorities to finalise a comprehensive financial framework for electric vehicles (EVs) by November this year, along with streamlining licensing regulations for EV manufacturing in Pakistan.

During a meeting in Islamabad on Saturday, the prime minister emphasised the importance of engaging with key stakeholders, including the Finance Ministry, the State Bank of Pakistan, provincial governments, federal units, and other relevant parties, to ensure a robust electric vehicle policy.

Shehbaz Sharif stated that the government is prioritising the promotion of electric vehicles in the country.. Sharif underscored that EVs would not only reduce reliance on petrol and diesel, saving valuable foreign exchange, but also contribute to environmental preservation.

PM announced a plan to distribute e-motorbikes to outstanding students from government schools, following the model of the successful laptop distribution scheme. Additionally, he stated that all federal government institutions would exclusively procure electric motorbikes to conserve national resources. Directives for this initiative would be issued to all federal ministries.

Shehbaz Sharif also instructed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to prepare a detailed plan for implementing electric public transport in Islamabad.

During the briefing, it was reported that since 2022, 49 licenses had been issued for the local production of two- and three-wheeled electric vehicles, with 25 factories now operational. The meeting was informed that the first license for the domestic production of four-wheeled electric vehicles was issued in September this year, with the first locally manufactured electric car expected to hit the market by December.

Pakistan currently has 45,000 two- and three-wheeled electric vehicles in operation, along with 2,600 four-wheel EVs. Plans for the installation of EV recharging stations along motorways, the GT Road (National Highway 5), and National Highways 65 and 70 are also being prioritised.