ISLAMABAD: The government plans to have 2.2 million Electric Vehicles (EVs) operating on Pakistan’s roads by 2030 as part of a broader strategy to combat climate change, reduce smog—particularly in Punjab—and cut the annual petroleum import bill by at least \$1 billion.
This was revealed by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, during a meeting with representatives of the Car Dealers Importers Association on Tuesday.
Khan said the upcoming Auto Policy 2026 would facilitate the import of used and electric vehicles, aiming to create a more competitive car market in Pakistan. The new policy seeks to improve access to foreign vehicles and push local manufacturers toward quality improvement and export expansion.
He emphasised that mandatory certification and registration of used car imports would be introduced to ensure quality standards. The SAPM also affirmed the government’s commitment to a liberalised and transparent import regime.
Highlighting the shift toward sustainable mobility, Khan said the National Electric Vehicle (NEV) Policy 2025–2030 aims to transition a large share of petrol-based vehicles to electric ones. He underlined that promoting EVs will not only be cost-effective but will also improve public health by reducing air pollution and smog levels.
The Car Dealers Importers Association pledged to submit detailed proposals to support the policy process. Khan assured the association that their input would be thoroughly reviewed and that the government would extend full cooperation in finalising the policy framework.
Story by Abdul Rasheed Azad
