ISLAMABAD, July 19: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the formulation of a comprehensive, government-led strategy to make electric vehicles (EVs) more accessible to the general public, aiming to reduce fuel import bills, protect the environment, and stimulate the local industry.
Chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad, PM Shehbaz highlighted the long-term benefits of transitioning to EVs and announced targeted initiatives to promote electric mobility nationwide. Among the key measures is the distribution of free electric bikes to top-performing intermediate students across all educational boards, including a 25% reserved quota for female students and a 10% quota increase for Balochistan.
To generate employment, the government will also provide electric rickshaws and loaders to jobless individuals. Over 100,000 electric bikes and 3,000 rickshaws/loaders will be offered on easy terms through a subsidized support scheme.
The prime minister directed the development of a complete EV ecosystem for local manufacturing and maintenance. He called for transparency through third-party validation and ordered a public awareness campaign to inform citizens about the subsidy program.
The initiative is also expected to attract at least four battery manufacturers, spurring local investment and job creation. Federal ministers, senior officials, and special aides attended the briefing on current industrial capacity and upcoming support mechanisms. PM Shehbaz instructed the immediate rollout of the scheme based on these recommendations.
