Nasir promises tax exemptions on investment in eco-friendly industries

The Sindh government will offer tax exemptions and full support to investors in eco-friendly industries, Sindh Energy Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah said on Sunday as he inaugurated the first INVEREX Electric Vehicle (EV) showroom in Karachi.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Shah said special funds were being allocated for green energy initiatives under the direction of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

He emphasised the provincial government's commitment to promoting electric mobility and reducing environmental impact across the province. The minister, accompanied by Inverex CEO Muhammad Zakir Ali and Director Abdul Rehman, toured the showroom and inspected the electric vehicles on display. Company officials briefed him on product features, after-sales services and home installation of charging ports.

Shah said the cost of running an electric vehicle was just Rs4 per kilometre, and the Sindh government was committed to facilitating the shift to electric transportation. “EV charging stations will be set up in all major cities and on highways every 30 to 40 kilometres,” he stated, adding that new buildings in Sindh are now required to include EV charging facilities.

He further announced that government-owned land would be allocated for charging infrastructure, and efforts would be made to expand the EV use for both cars and bikes. “Local production will be encouraged, and tax relief will be given to manufacturers investing in electric mobility and clean energy technologies,” Shah added.

During the event, the minister also cut a ceremonial cake and was presented with the traditional Sindhi Ajrak and cap as a token of respect. In recent days, the energy minister has repeatedly announced the government’s commitment to promoting use of green and clean energy.

A few days ago, he said Rs25 billion had been allocated in the provincial budget to provide relief to the public by reducing electricity cost through solarisation. He stated that it was the PPP chairman’s vision to provide affordable and, where possible, free electricity to people, especially to underprivileged and low-income households.

He added that the government was actively working to distribute solar panels, and implement solarisation initiatives across the province, with his energy department prioritising all the necessary steps.

He also said that various public welfare schemes would be executed through the block budget incorporated in the fiscal plan. He emphasised that the Sindh government held a clear majority in the provincial assembly, and did not require external support to pass the budget.