SHANGHAI – In a strong push toward sustainable transportation, the Consulate General of Pakistan in Shanghai hosted a New Energy Vehicle Procurement Conference on April 29, alongside the 2025 Shanghai International Auto Show. The event brought together around 60 leading Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, including global giants BYD, Geely, and Skyworth, as reported by Gwadar Pro.
Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan, who led the Pakistani delegation, hailed the exhibition as a testament to China’s dominance in EV innovation. “Before coming here, I thought I understood China’s EV progress,” he said. “But the scale of innovation on display—from luxury sedans to commercial electric trucks—proves China is far ahead of the global curve.”
The Shanghai Auto Show, running from April 25 to May 2, features nearly 1,000 companies from 26 countries, showcasing the latest in clean mobility solutions.
For Pakistan, particularly Punjab, the visit marked a strategic opportunity to accelerate its EV transition. The province has already deployed 27 electric buses in Lahore under a pilot program, with plans underway to procure 500 more. “Five companies have been shortlisted, and we aim to have all 500 on the road by mid-year,” said Khan. An additional 600 electric buses are slated for rollout from July, expanding green transport networks to rural areas as well.
Minister Khan emphasized the need for Pakistan to adopt EV technology at scale, noting the dual benefits of reducing emissions and improving public transportation.
