2.2m EVs to ply on the roads by 2030
ISLAMABAD: The government has planned to take the number of Electric Vehicles (EVs) plying on the roads by 2030 to 2.2 million aiming at dealing with climate change-related issues especially smog in Punjab, reducing petroleum products import bill by at least $1 billion annually and improving public health.
This was stated by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, during a meeting with the importers of used cars here on Tuesday.
Khan said 'the new Auto Policy 2026 will make it easier to import used and electric vehicles and policy aims to boost competition in Pakistan's car market by improving access to foreign cars.'
During the meeting, the discussion focused on key areas including the upcoming Auto Policy 2026, import and export issues, and additional customs duties.
SAPM Khan recognised the Car Dealers Importers Association as a vital stakeholder in the consultation process for policy formulation. He reiterated that the government's vision emphasises promoting a liberalised and competitive import mechanism for vehicles in Pakistan.
'Open competition in car imports will create pressure on local manufacturers to improve and expand into exports,' stated Khan. He added that in order to ensure the quality of used car imports, the government will implement mandatory registration and certification procedures.
Highlighting the shift towards sustainable transportation, Khan stated that Pakistan is moving away from petrol-based vehicles towards environmentally-friendly alternatives. In line with the government's directives, the Ministry of Industries has introduced a comprehensive National Electric Vehicle (NEV) Policy 2025–2030.
Under this policy, Pakistan aims to convert 2.2 million vehicles to electric by the year 2030, he said, adding that the promotion of electric vehicles is crucial for reducing smog and improving public health.
The SAPM said that promotion of EVs will not only prove cost-effective but will also be beneficial for the environment; consequently it will help improve the health of the people of Pakistan.
During the meeting, the Car Dealers Importers Association assured the ministry that they will submit detailed proposals to support the policy process.
SAPM Khan assured the association that the government will carefully review their suggestions and extend full cooperation.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
15 hours ago
- Express Tribune
LHC rejects Imran's bail in eight May 9 cases
Listen to article The Lahore High Court on Tuesday rejected bail petitions filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in eight cases linked to the May 9, 2023, riots, prompting sharp criticism from the party, which called the ruling a "blatant miscarriage of justice". The decision, delivered by a two-member bench led by Justice Shahbaz Ali Rizvi, followed the conclusion of arguments from both prosecution and defence. Imran's legal team had argued that the former prime minister was implicated without credible evidence while he was already in custody and denied any involvement in the violence. The May 9 unrest erupted nationwide following Khan's arrest in a graft case and included attacks on civil and military installations, including Lahore's Jinnah House. The prosecution claimed Khan incited supporters to target military facilities and cited forensic evidence, including audio recordings, which Khan allegedly refused to verify via voice matching. PTI's legal counsel contended that the charges were politically driven and based on vague allegations of abetment. They argued the cases were part of a broader campaign to discredit the party and its leader. In a strongly worded statement, PTI Punjab expressed deep disappointment, accusing the judiciary of operating under political influence. "The courts have failed to uphold the principles of justice," the party said, vowing to continue its legal fight and launch a peaceful protest movement demanding democratic restoration and the release of political detainees. Imran, who has been jailed since August 2023 after multiple convictions, remains a central figure in Pakistani politics despite his ouster in April 2022 through a no-confidence vote. Several PTI leaders and workers remain incarcerated over the May 9 incidents, while others have been granted bail. The party maintains that the ongoing legal actions are an attempt to dismantle the country's largest political force ahead of critical political transitions.
Business Recorder
16 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Lahore–Islamabad Motorway: BYD, HUBCO Green and PSO expand NEV charging network
KARACHI: BYD Pakistan – Mega Motor Company (MMC), HUBCO Green (HGL), and Pakistan State Oil (PSO) jointly unveiled their first New Energy Vehicle (NEV) fast-charging station along the M2 motorway—a vital artery connecting Lahore and Islamabad. This launch marks the beginning of a major rollout: 128 DC fast chargers, spaced every 150–200?km from Karachi to Peshawar, with 50 stations due online by December 2025, aimed at reducing range anxiety and accelerating Pakistan's clean mobility revolution. The Magic River Rest Stop PSO Experience Hub combines advanced charging technology with traveler-focused amenities, featuring: Two 60 kW DC fast chargers capable of delivering a 50% charge—160–200?km for a BYD Atto?3—in under 30 minutes A modern VIBE Café & Store, providing comfort and convenience while vehicles recharge Speaking at the launch event, Kamran Kamal, CEO, The Hub Power Company (HUBCO), Group Company of Hubco Green, stated: 'HUBCO Green is a strategic extension of our long-term view on where the country's mobility landscape is headed. At the heart of our mandate is a commitment to promote sustainability and an environmentally responsible automobile sector. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
16 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Govt rules out tax reversal on car imports
Listen to article In a bid to regulate the used car market and uphold quality standards, the government has decided not to reverse existing taxes on car imports and will introduce mandatory registration and certification procedures for used imported vehicles. These measures were communicated during a meeting chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan with the Car Dealers and Importers Association in Islamabad. As per an official statement, the discussions focused on key areas including the upcoming Auto Policy 2026, import and export issues, and additional customs duties. The PM's aide recognised the Car Dealers and Importers Association as a vital stakeholder in the consultation process for policy formulation. He reiterated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's vision emphasises promoting a liberalised and competitive import mechanism for vehicles in Pakistan. Highlighting the shift towards sustainable transportation, he stated that Pakistan is moving away from petrol-based vehicles towards environmentally friendly alternatives. In line with the prime minister's directives, the government has introduced a comprehensive Electric Vehicle (NEV) Policy 2025-2030. Under this policy, Pakistan aims to convert 2.2 million vehicles to electric by the year 2030. "The promotion of electric vehicles is crucial for reducing smog and improving public health," said Khan. "EVs are not only cost-effective but also beneficial for the environment and the people of Pakistan." During the meeting, the Association assured the ministry that they will submit detailed proposals to support the policy process. The SAPM assured the delegation that the government will carefully review their suggestions and extend full cooperation. Meanwhile, Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Commerce, conducted a meeting with Patron in Chief, Chairman and representatives of the All-Pakistan Car Dealers and Importers Association (APCDIA) to strengthen collaboration between the private and government stakeholders. The APCIA, while appreciating the government's plans to allow import of commercial vehicles via amendments to the Import Policy Order, were of the view that consultations with the association could lead to formulation of a well-rounded policy for import of commercial vehicles. Afzal Khan assured the association that the Ministry of Commerce understands the importance of conducting stakeholder consultations and invited tangible proposals from the association for incorporation in the updated Import Policy Order, expected to be issued after September, 2025.
