Islamabad: Federal Minister for Power, Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, has reached out to the Swedish Green Fund and the European Union for their technical and financial support in converting Pakistan’s fossil fuel vehicles, particularly motorcycles, to electric technology. This initiative coincides with Pakistan’s recent move to significantly lower tariffs for electric vehicle charging stations.

According to a statement by Press Information Department, Mr. Leghari presented the proposal during a meeting with the Swedish Ambassador to Pakistan, Alexandra Berg Von Linde. The Minister highlighted that Pakistan currently has over 30 million motorcycles, and suggested that interest-free loans could be provided through Pakistani banks to facilitate this conversion, given their robust loan repayment systems.

Mr. Leghari also emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to renewable energy, noting that last year, 55 percent of the country’s power generation came from renewable sources. Pakistan is reviewing its Indicative Generation Capacity Expansion Plan to integrate energy into the national grid in a cost-effective manner, aiming for maximum economic impact.

Ambassador Von Linde underscored the strong bilateral relations between Pakistan and Sweden, marking 75 years of diplomatic ties. She noted that Swedish companies in Pakistan are eager for a reliable supply of green energy, expressing Sweden’s readiness to offer expertise and technological support. She also highlighted Sweden’s leadership in renewable energy, with 70 percent of its energy produced from renewable resources, and its potential contribution to making Pakistan’s textile sector globally competitive through sustainable energy solutions.