A wave of discussion has spread across social media after claims that Lahore Traffic Police are being equipped with BYD electric vehicles.
Many users reacted with disbelief, questioning whether such expensive cars could become part of a government fleet. The surprise largely comes from the price tag, as some of these vehicles are considered high end in Pakistan.
But officials say the story is less about luxury and more about cutting costs and modernising traffic policing.
Not a luxury move, but a cost decision
Punjab has started introducing electrified patrol vehicles in Lahore under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s Green Punjab initiative. According to officials, the main aim is to reduce fuel spending rather than add premium cars to the fleet.
Government briefings indicate that more than a hundred petrol powered patrol vehicles together burn tens of thousands of litres of fuel every month, creating a heavy recurring expense for the department. Authorities believe shifting towards electrified vehicles could significantly reduce this burden over time.
What vehicles are actually in use
Confusion spread online after viral clips suggested Lahore Traffic Police had switched fully to electric vehicles. However, officials clarified that the fleet includes a mix of new energy vehicles rather than a complete electric transition.
Among the confirmed additions are the fully electric BYD Atto 3 and the BYD Shark 6, which runs on a hybrid system. This means the current move is towards electrified policing vehicles, not an all electric fleet.
Officials have also connected the initiative to environmental concerns. The new vehicles can be charged using solar powered systems, and the shift is being presented as part of broader efforts to address Lahore’s air pollution.
Authorities appear to be starting with official fleets first, hoping it may encourage wider adoption of cleaner vehicles in the future.
Focus on technology and enforcement
Beyond fuel savings, the upgraded vehicles are being described as mobile enforcement units. Officials say officers can monitor traffic, access vehicle records digitally, issue electronic challans and forward violations to Safe City systems directly from the patrol vehicles.
The idea is to combine modern technology with everyday policing rather than simply replacing cars.
The changes are not expected to remain limited to Lahore. Officials have indicated that similar upgrades will gradually reach other major cities including Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Multan and Rawalpindi.
For now, the government is framing the move as an operational shift aimed at lowering fuel costs, improving enforcement and aligning public fleets with cleaner transport goals. More details are expected once authorities release a full breakdown of vehicles and deployment plans.
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