Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked officials to speed up efforts to expand the use of electric vehicles in Pakistan, saying the shift could help lower the country’s fuel bill and improve energy security.
Chairing a meeting on Wednesday, the prime minister said progress on electric mobility should move faster, as the country faces rising fuel costs and growing energy needs. He noted that increasing the use of electric vehicles can also support environmental protection by reducing emissions.
Push for faster rollout
Officials briefing the meeting said the government has already issued 72 manufacturing certificates for electric motorcycles and rickshaws, along with four for electric cars. Interest in charging infrastructure is also picking up, with 123 applications submitted so far to set up charging stations across the country.
The government is working on a plan to ensure that 30 percent of vehicles in Pakistan run on electricity within the next five years. This transition is expected to save up to $4.5 billion in fuel imports.
To encourage adoption, the meeting was told that electric bikes will be offered to government employees up to Grade 16 on easy instalments. The aim is to make electric transport more accessible, especially for lower and middle income groups.
Focus on transparency and access
The prime minister stressed that subsidies under the National EV Policy, particularly for electric motorcycles aimed at low income users, must be handled in a clear and fair way. He directed authorities to speed up the rollout of these schemes so that more people can benefit.
He said that, given the current regional situation and future energy demands, shifting towards electric vehicles is not just about cost savings but also about building a more secure and sustainable energy system.
The meeting was attended by several federal ministers, senior officials, and representatives from key institutions, including the State Bank of Pakistan.
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