Latest news with #NationalElectricVehiclePolicy
Express Tribune
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Pakistan, China to deepen EV cooperation
Listen to article Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has highlighted electric vehicles (EVs) as a key area of future cooperation between Pakistan and China. Answering a reporter's question at a press conference at the Pakistani embassy in Beijing on Monday, Iqbal noted the growing importance of EV technology and reaffirmed Pakistan's interest in partnering with Chinese firms to develop this sector. "EVs have become a very important segment," he said, emphasising Pakistan's desire to benefit from China's technological advancements, including the development of next-generation batteries such as sodium-ion batteries, which offer advantages over traditional lithium technology. The minister announced that the Pakistan-China Business Conference scheduled for September 4 in China will serve as a platform to foster such partnerships. "We are expecting over 250 companies from Pakistan and more than 200 from China," he said. "There will be industry matchmaking across sectors such as electric vehicles, solar energy, chemicals and agriculture." Iqbal stressed that establishing EV manufacturing in Pakistan offers cost advantages for Chinese companies and will help Pakistan reduce dependence on fossil fuels. He welcomed Chinese investment in localised EV production, calling it a strategic step towards energy efficiency, job creation and sustainable development. Notably, Pakistan's new National Electric Vehicle Policy 2025-2030 mandates that 30% of new vehicle sales be electric by 2030 and aims for net-zero transport by 2060. It offers generous incentives — tax reductions, subsidies as well as support for charging infrastructure — and emphasises localisation. Chinese firms like BYD, Chery and others are involved in assembling EVs, expanding infrastructure and enabling Pakistan to serve as a regional EV production hub.
Business Recorder
01-08-2025
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
Banking sector agrees to help consumers adopt electric vehicles
In a significant step toward accelerating electric vehicle (EV) adoption, top officials from the State Bank of Pakistan, commercial banks, and government bodies have agreed to collaborate on consumer financing solutions that make EVs more accessible to the general public. The consensus emerged during a high-level consultative meeting organised by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), signalling a strong commitment from the banking sector to support Pakistan's green mobility and climate goals, the climate change ministry said in a press release. MoCC&EC Secretary Aisha Humera Moriani presided the meeting that brought together over 70 stakeholders, including senior officials from the Pakistan Banking Association (PBA), local EV manufacturers, importers, and policymakers. Participants discussed practical mechanisms to scale up EV adoption, including the formation of a joint working group tasked with developing targeted green financing proposals. 'The banking sector must play a proactive role in offering attractive consumer financing plans,' Moriani emphasised. 'Without affordable options for households looking to switch to electric vehicles, progress will remain sluggish.' PBA Chairman Zafar Masud, who also serves as president of the Bank of Punjab, reiterated the banking sector's readiness to contribute. He cited the BoP's partnership with the Punjab government under the Chief Minister's Youth Initiative, through which 18,000 motorcycles — including 5,000 electric bikes — are being distributed to students via interest-free installment plans. Pakistan launches National Electric Vehicle Policy 2025-30 'The initiative has seen strong interest from students and parents and could be replicated in other provinces, including Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan,' Masud noted. Secretary Moriani called on other provincial governments, especially Sindh, to launch similar partnerships with banks. She also encouraged EV manufacturers to introduce their own financing schemes modelled on bank-led programmes. The meeting also touched on broader regulatory reforms. Key proposals included imposing higher taxes on old, fossil fuel-powered vehicles to make EVs more competitive. In a significant policy update, Director General Muhammad Asif Sahibzada announced that the Economic Coordination Committee had approved Pakistan's first Green Taxonomy Framework on July 25. The framework offers a structured guide for sustainable investments, enabling banks to create targeted loan products for green initiatives such as EVs. 'Banks can use the Green Taxonomy to roll out targeted green loan products that encourage EV adoption,' Sahibzada said. Highlighting the public health aspect, Urban Affairs Director Muhammad Azim Khoso underscored the environmental impact of traditional transportation. He noted that cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad—often ranked among the world's most polluted—stand to benefit significantly from reduced tailpipe emissions through EV use. 'Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions. Their adoption can significantly improve air quality and reduce public health costs,' Khoso stated. The joint working group will now begin developing actionable strategies to unlock green financing, with the goal of mainstreaming electric mobility across Pakistan.
Business Recorder
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
PM Shehbaz emphasises comprehensive plan to make EVs accessible for all
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed to formulate a comprehensive government-level strategy to make electric vehicles (EVs) more accessible to the common citizen, the Prime Minister's Office said in a press release. Presiding a meeting in Islamabad regarding encouraging usage of EVs in the country, PM Shehbaz emphasised that encouraging electric vehicles in Pakistan will result in billions of dollars saved in fuel import costs, environmental protection, and the growth of local industry. He announced that the federal government, including the federal educational board and all other educational boards across the country, will provide electric bikes to top-performing students. Pakistan launches National Electric Vehicle Policy 2025-30 The prime minister further stated that the government will prioritise employment generation by providing electric rickshaws and loaders vehicles to unemployed individuals. To support the local EV industry, the premier instructed the development of a complete ecosystem for the manufacturing and maintenance of EVs within Pakistan. He also called for third-party validation of the EV distribution process and government support mechanisms, ensuring transparency and efficiency. The prime minister emphasised that economically disadvantaged individuals should be given priority in accessing EVs under the government assistance scheme. He ordered the launch of a public awareness campaign about the EV subsidy scheme and ensured that the electric bikes, rickshaws, and loaders distributed through the initiative meet high-quality and safety standards. A review meeting, chaired by PM Shehbaz, on promoting EVs and government support for their acquisition was participated by federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to PM Haroon Akhtar, Chief Coordinator Mosharraf Zaidi, and senior officials. The meeting was briefed on current industrial capacity and the government's ongoing steps to ensure affordability and accessibility of EVs through low-cost loans and flexible terms. Sindh govt allocates budget for EV taxis, scooters in FY26 More than 100,000 electric bikes and over 3,000 rickshaws/loaders will be made available under easy conditions through government support. Additionally, it was shared that top-performing intermediate students across boards, including the federal board, will receive free electric bikes under the scheme. A 25% quota has been reserved for women, with remaining provincial quotas to be distributed based on population. The PM directed to increase Balochistan's quota by 10%. The scheme is expected to attract at least four new battery manufacturers, which will boost investment, employment, and business opportunities in Pakistan. The prime minister directed for the swift rollout of the scheme based on these recommendations.
Business Recorder
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
KP holds awareness session on e-vehicle policy
PESHAWAR: The provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa organised an awareness session on National Electric Vehicle Policy (2025-30) here at Civil Secretariat. It was jointly presided over by Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Industries, Abdul Karim Tordher, and Special Assistant for Transport, Rangez Khan, along with Federal Secretary for Industries and Production, Saif Anjum. Saif Anjum gave a detailed presentation aimed at promotion of electric mobility and eco-friendly transport across the country. The workshop was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Planning & Development Department Ikramullah, Secretary Planning and Development Department Adeel Shah, Secretary Transport Masood Younas, along with other senior officials, representatives from federal and provincial departments, industrialists, business leaders, President of Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industries (SCCI), Fazal Muqeem, representatives from traders' associations and other key stakeholders. The workshop was organized to raise awareness about the new national policy and to strengthen coordination between federal and provincial governments. Participants actively contributed suggestions for further improving the policy. Under the new five-year policy, a target has been set to convert 30% of the country's vehicles to electric by 2030. To support this transition, 3,000 electric vehicle charging stations will be established nationwide. Addressing the participants, the Special Assistant Abdul Karim Tordher said that the world is moving towards environmentally friendly transport solutions and the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs) is a significant step in this direction. He said that sincere policy-making efforts in Pakistan is a positive step in this regard, but emphasized the urgent need for a clear and comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure effective implementation. He stressed the importance of developing local manufacturing capabilities for electric vehicles, particularly in the production of lithium batteries. He called for the introduction of investor-friendly models and transparent leasing mechanisms to promote local industry for battery manufacturing. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Punjab extends vehicle emission testing deadline to August 31
Listen to article The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extended the deadline for vehicle emission testing until 31 August, providing motorists with additional time to meet environmental standards. The original deadline of 30 June was pushed back due to an overwhelming response at testing booths, according to Imran Hamid Sheikh, Director General of the EPA Punjab. "The extension is intended to facilitate the public and ensure a smoother testing process," he added. In the past 50 days, over 123,000 vehicles have undergone testing across the province. Among them, approximately 2,000 vehicles were found to be emitting pollutants beyond acceptable limits. Owners of these vehicles have been issued warnings and advised to make necessary repairs or tune their engines to reduce emissions. Read: Smoke emitting vehicles' owners given 15 days deadline Emission testing is a scientific procedure that measures the levels of toxic gases and particulate matter released from vehicle exhausts. Key pollutants assessed during testing include carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). If a vehicle fails the test, the owner is instructed to take corrective action. According to DG EPA, vehicles manufactured in 2022 or later are exempt from testing as they comply with modern Euro emission standards and come with in-built emission control technologies. As per statistics obtained from the Punjab Excise Department, the province has 20m registered motorcycles and five million four-wheeled vehicles, with Lahore alone accounting for 5.2m motorcycles and 1.3m four-wheeled vehicles. The EPA has urged vehicle owners to utilise the extended timeline to contribute to cleaner air. Free testing booths have been set up across Punjab, including 20 locations in Lahore, where motorists can have their vehicles tested without any additional fee. This initiative is part of Punjab's broader strategy to combat air pollution, particularly in Lahore and other urban areas where air quality has become a significant public health concern. Read more: Govt launches National Electric Vehicle Policy In a separate development, a few days ago, the Government of Pakistan launched the New Electric Vehicle Policy (NEVP), which aims to stimulate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across the country. Muhammad Saleem Shaikh, spokesperson for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, stated that the policy is designed to ensure a just and inclusive transition to cleaner mobility. The initiative also seeks to reduce the country's dependency on fossil fuels, encourage local innovation, and create new green jobs. "The government is stepping up efforts to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) as a key part of the country's clean energy and climate resilience agenda," Shaikh remarked. With the transport sector being a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and urban air pollution, the shift towards EVs marks a significant move towards a more sustainable, healthier, and economically viable future. The NEVP aligns with the broader strategy to combat air pollution, especially in urban centres like Lahore, where air quality continues to be a serious concern.
