ISLAMABAD: Concerns have emerged within government circles over the use of substandard and low-quality batteries by electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers in Pakistan, prompting authorities to move toward a stricter testing and certification regime.
Officials say the rapid expansion in EV demand and sales—partly driven by rising global oil prices following geopolitical tensions—has exposed gaps in regulatory oversight, particularly regarding battery quality and safety standards. The growing shift toward electric mobility is also seen as critical for Pakistan’s clean energy and environmental goals.
The issue was reviewed in a recent meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Coordination and Management Council (NCMC), where serious reservations were expressed over compliance by certain EV manufacturers. The committee noted that inadequate adherence to prescribed standards, especially in battery systems, could pose significant risks to consumer safety, vehicle performance, and the overall credibility of the EV sector.
The meeting, co-chaired by the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and the National Coordinator of NCMC, was attended by relevant stakeholders, including representatives of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) Secretariat.
The committee directed the Engineering Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA) and other stakeholders, to develop a comprehensive inspection, testing, and verification framework. The proposed mechanism will include certification requirements, periodic inspections, compliance monitoring, and strict enforcement measures against non-compliant manufacturers and importers.
Authorities have been instructed to immediately begin work on establishing a testing system aligned with international standards for electric vehicles.
During the same meeting, concerns were also raised over regulatory compliance issues in the oil sector. Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) were reportedly found to be non-compliant with certain regulatory directives, with some even challenging orders in court, creating enforcement challenges for regulators.
The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) informed the committee that several OMCs failed to meet allocated Product Review Meeting (PRM) quotas, which could potentially disrupt fuel supply chains and impact national energy security.
Although show-cause notices have been issued, officials noted that legal challenges by companies often delay enforcement actions, weakening regulatory effectiveness. The NCMC emphasized the need to strengthen the regulatory framework and address legal and procedural gaps to ensure compliance.
It was decided that OGRA, in consultation with stakeholders and under the oversight of NCMC, will form a committee to review existing regulations and recommend amendments to improve enforcement and institutional efficiency.
In a related directive, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has been instructed to reassess gas availability for CNG stations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa based on remaining volumes after prioritizing power sector demand.
Story by Zafar Bhutta
