Promotion of electric vehicles priority: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday instructed relevant authorities to formulate a detailed financial framework for electric vehicles by November this year and streamline licensing regulations for their manufacturing in Pakistan.

Chairing a meeting, the prime minister instructed officials to hold essential consultations with the Finance Ministry, State Bank of Pakistan, all provinces, federal units and relevant stakeholders concerning the electric vehicles policy.

Shehbaz emphasized, “The government is prioritising the promotion of electric vehicles in the country. These vehicles will not only conserve valuable foreign exchange by reducing imports of petrol and diesel but also offer environmental benefits.” He also announced plans to distribute e-motorbikes among exceptional students from government schools, following a model similar to the laptop scheme.

The prime minister stated that, moving forward, all federal government institutions would exclusively purchase electric motorbikes to conserve national resources. He instructed directives be issued to all federal ministries accordingly.

Additionally, he directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to develop a detailed plan for implementing electric public transport in Islamabad.

During the briefing, it was reported that since 2022, 49 licences had been issued for the local production of two-and three-wheeled electric vehicles, with 25 factories already operational.

The forum was informed that the first license for the domestic production of four-wheel electric vehicles was issued in September this year, and the first locally manufactured electric car is expected to be available in the market by December.

The meeting was informed that the country currently has 45,000 two-and three-wheeled electric vehicles as well as 2,600 four-wheeled electric vehicles.

Additionally, it was told that the installation of recharging stations for electric vehicles would be prioritised along motorways, GT Road (National Highway 5) and National Highways 65 and 70.

Meanwhile, the prime minister strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a police vehicle in Quetta’s Kuchlak area in Balochistan province. The PM Office issued a statement expressing the prime minister’s condolences and prayers for the martyred policemen. The prime minister promised to swiftly hold terrorists accountable and reiterated the nation’s unwavering dedication to supporting security forces in combating terrorism.

Separately, the prime minister reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to democracy, constitutionalism, rule of law and human rights on the occasion of International Day of Democracy. In a message, he emphasized that democracy was a fundamental value of human society. “Our government’s commitment to constitutionalism, democracy, rule of law and human rights is firm and unwavering. Adherence to these democratic values is our calling as a nation,” he added. The prime minister called for continuing the efforts to build a more inclusive, just, and equal world for all. “Together, we can strengthen the foundations of democracy and ensure that it serves as a beacon of hope and progress for future generations,” he added.