ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to offer electric bikes to employees up to Grade 16 on easy installments as part of a broader push to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption across the country.
The initiative was announced during a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who emphasized that promoting EVs is essential to reducing Pakistan’s fuel import bill, strengthening energy security, and protecting the environment.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier directed authorities to ensure transparency in subsidies provided for electric motorcycles to low-income individuals under the National Electric Vehicle Policy, while also expediting the implementation of the scheme.
Officials briefed the meeting that 72 manufacturing certificates have been issued for electric motorcycles and rickshaws, along with four for electric cars. Additionally, 123 applications have been received for the establishment of EV charging stations nationwide.
The government aims to convert 30 percent of vehicles in Pakistan to electric within the next five years — a move expected to save around $4.5 billion in fuel imports.
The meeting was attended by key federal ministers, including Musadik Malik, Ahsan Iqbal, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, Awais Leghari, and Bilal Azhar Kayani.
As part of ongoing efforts, the Islamabad Capital Police recently inducted eco-friendly electric vehicles into its fleet, with 15 battery-powered units provided by the Interior Ministry and more expected in the coming months.
Prime Minister Shehbaz noted that such initiatives, along with earlier efforts on fuel efficiency and EV policy development, would help reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves and support the country’s transition toward sustainable energy.
