Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a crucial meeting on electric vehicles (EVs), where he was briefed on the current status and future plans.
The Prime Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to advancing EV adoption, instructing the development of a detailed financial model for EVs. This initiative aims to reduce foreign exchange spending on petrol and diesel while promoting environmental sustainability.
He directed consultations with the Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of Pakistan and called for enhanced licensing regulations for EV production. He stressed the need for input from all provinces, federal units, and stakeholders on the EV policy.
Announcing a new initiative, the Prime Minister revealed that high-achieving students in government schools will receive electric motorbikes, similar to the laptop scheme. Additionally, he instructed all federal ministries to purchase only electric motorbikes for government use to conserve funds.
The Prime Minister also directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to develop a comprehensive plan for electric public transport in Islamabad.
Since 2022, 49 licenses have been issued for producing two- and three-wheel electric vehicles, with 25 factories already in operation. The first license for four-wheel electric vehicles was granted in September 2024, with the first locally-made electric car expected by December. Currently, there are 45,000 two- and three-wheel EVs and 2,600 four-wheel EVs in the country.
Charging stations for electric vehicles will be prioritized along major routes, including motorways and key national highways.
Federal ministers and officials, including Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Owais Leghari, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Ali Pervaiz Malik, and climate change coordinators, attended the meeting.
