ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed an acceleration of measures to promote electric vehicles (EVs) in the country, emphasizing the dual benefits of reducing fuel import costs and enhancing environmental protection and energy security.

According to Radio Pakistan, during a meeting in Islamabad, the Prime Minister highlighted the strategic importance of EV promotion in light of the current regional situation and future demands. He stressed the need for transparency in subsidies provided under the National EV Policy, particularly for electric motorcycles aimed at low-income individuals, and called for a swift implementation of this scheme.

The meeting reviewed ongoing initiatives to boost EV adoption across the nation. It was disclosed that seventy-two manufacturing certificates have been issued for electric motorcycles and rickshaws, while four have been granted for electric cars. Additionally, there have been one hundred and twenty-three applications for establishing EV charging stations.

Plans were shared to transition thirty percent of the country’s vehicles to electric power over the next five years, a move projected to save approximately 4.5 billion dollars in fuel costs. Furthermore, it was noted that electric bikes will be made available to government employees up to grade sixteen through easy installment plans.