Pakistan, July 19 -- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed on Friday that the federal government of Pakistan is focusing on students and the unemployed through a significant initiative aimed at encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles. He stated that this step will lead to substantial savings in fuel import costs, aid in environmental protection, and boost domestic industries.
The prime minister made this statement while chairing a gathering in Islamabad to assess the advancement of electric vehicles in the nation and the governmental support for purchasing electric bicycles, rickshaws, and loaders, as reported by Sharif's office.
The suggested plan is being introduced as the financially challenged South Asian nation strives to reduce expensive oil imports, which decreased by five percent to $15 billion between July 2024 and May 2025, as per recent official data. Islamabad is now working on developing a strategy to make electric vehicles available to the public.
Authorities informed attendees of the meeting held on Friday that measures are being implemented to allow individuals to obtain electric bicycles, rickshaws, and loaders via affordable loans. The government will also support the supply of over 100,000 electric bikes and 3,000 rickshaws along with loading vehicles.
The federal government, including the federal board, will supply electric bicycles to the top performers in various boards nationwide," Sharif was reported to have stated. "The government will offer electric rickshaws and loaders to jobless individuals for employment purposes, with priority given.
According to Sharif's office, under a plan expected to start soon, students who have demonstrated outstanding results at the intermediate level in various educational boards across the nation will receive free electric bicycles. A dedicated 25 percent quota has been set aside for women, and provincial allocations will be determined based on population size.
Last month, Pakistan introduced a new Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy for the period 2025-2030, with the goal of having 30 percent of all new vehicle sales be electric by 2030. This policy, applicable to cars, buses, motorcycles, and rickshaws, seeks to speed up the nation's transition to eco-friendly transportation, decrease reliance on fossil fuels, and limit emissions that contribute to climate change.
Sharif directed officials to establish a comprehensive system for the manufacturing and upkeep of electric vehicles within the nation, prioritizing individuals from the economically disadvantaged group in the government's initiative.
"Independent verification needs to be carried out for the complete system of electric vehicle distribution and governmental support within it," he stated.
Authorities shared with the meeting attendees that four new battery production firms are commencing their activities within the nation, presenting fresh business prospects and job creation in Pakistan.
"The prime minister directed [officials] to guarantee that the electric bicycles, rickshaws, and loading vehicles included in the planned initiative adhere to the highest quality and safety requirements," said Sharif's office.
In addition, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has shown deep appreciation for the successful completion of practical training by the initial group of approximately 300 Pakistani agricultural graduates in China, focusing on key fields such as water-efficient irrigation, seed production, livestock management, agricultural production, and reduction of post-harvest losses.
In a message on his X account, he thanked the Chinese authorities, the Shaanxi government, and the two universities, while also acknowledging the work of the Ministry of National Food Security, HEC, and the Embassy in Beijing.
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