ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Pakistan is set to unveil its new electric vehicles (EV) policy by the end of November, with the aim of shifting the country toward eco-friendly transportation to reduce fuel imports and combat rising pollution levels, according to Industries and Production Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain.
In his remarks on Wednesday, the minister emphasized that Pakistan’s urban areas are among the most polluted in the world, with dangerous levels of air pollution primarily caused by fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This pollution not only harms public health but also exacerbates the country’s economic challenges, as it relies heavily on imported fuel to meet its energy needs. With road transport accounting for around 23 percent of Pakistan’s greenhouse gas emissions, addressing vehicle emissions has become a critical priority for the government.
The push for electric vehicles in Pakistan is part of a broader effort to create a more sustainable transportation system. In 2019, the government approved an ambitious National Electric Vehicles Policy (NEVP), aiming for electric vehicles to make up 30 percent of all passenger cars and heavy-duty trucks by 2030. By 2040, the government envisions that 90 percent of all vehicle sales in the country will be electric.
Minister Hussain revealed that the government would launch the second phase of the electric vehicle policy by November 30, which is expected to provide further incentives for the adoption of EVs. The policy will focus on reducing the country’s dependency on fuel imports and cutting carbon emissions, aligning with global environmental goals.
During his speech at an exhibition of electric bike models in Islamabad, Hussain also shared that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had allocated approximately $14.29 million (Rs4 billion) to help realize this vision of a greener, cleaner Pakistan. The funding is intended to support the growth of electric vehicle infrastructure and incentivize the adoption of electric transportation.
The minister also highlighted that electric three-wheelers, manufactured locally in Pakistan, were already being exported to other countries, showcasing the potential for Pakistan to become a hub for electric vehicle manufacturing. Additionally, the government plans to offer subsidies for electric two-wheelers and has launched an initiative to distribute 100 e-bikes free of charge to top-performing students as part of efforts to promote green mobility among the youth.
One of the most ambitious goals of the new policy is the establishment of 10,000 electric vehicle charging stations across the country by 2030, a move that would lay the foundation for widespread adoption of electric vehicles and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Minister Hussain expressed optimism about the future, stating that this shift toward sustainable transportation would not only help clean the air but also strengthen the economy. “With the government’s support and private sector investment, Pakistan is on its way to a greener future,” he said.
The momentum for electric vehicles in Pakistan has already attracted international attention, with Warren Buffett-backed Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD announcing its plans to enter the Pakistani market in August. BYD, which is one of the world’s largest EV manufacturers, believes that up to 50 percent of all vehicles sold in Pakistan could be electric by 2030, aligning with global targets for cleaner, more sustainable transportation.
With these ambitious goals, Pakistan is stepping boldly into a greener future, one that aims to reduce emissions, cut fuel costs, and ultimately create a cleaner environment for its citizens.
