Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that measures to promote electric vehicles in the country should be expedited.
A meeting on the promotion of electric vehicles was held in Islamabad under the chairmanship of the prime minister, where officials gave a briefing on ongoing nationwide efforts.
Addressing the meeting, the prime minister said steps to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles must be pursued with greater speed. He said that the promotion of such vehicles would reduce the burden of fuel imports.
He added that the initiative was vital for environmental protection and energy security. The prime minister directed that transparency be ensured in the subsidy scheme for electric motorcycles aimed at low-income individuals, and that implementation of the scheme be further accelerated.
The meeting was informed that 72 manufacturing certificates have been issued for electric motorcycles and rickshaws, while four certificates have been granted for electric vehicles. A total of 123 applications have so far been received for the establishment of EV charging stations.
Officials said plans are under way to ensure that 30 per cent of vehicles in the country run on electricity within five years, with expected fuel savings of up to $4.5 billion. Electric bikes are also to be provided to government employees up to Grade 16 on easy instalments.
Federal ministers and senior officials attended the meeting.
