ISLAMABAD: The federal government has announced plans to provide over 100,000 electric bikes and more than 300,000 electric loaders to the public through subsidized financing and easy loan schemes, as revealed on Friday.
Chairing a high-level meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs) would help reduce Pakistan’s reliance on imported fuel, save billions in foreign exchange, support environmental sustainability, and strengthen local industry.
He instructed the formulation of a comprehensive action plan to make EVs affordable and accessible to the general public nationwide.
The prime minister also announced that high-performing students from all educational boards, including the federal board, would receive electric bikes free of charge. Additionally, unemployed individuals would be prioritized for electric rickshaws and loaders to promote self-employment and address joblessness.
During the meeting, officials informed the premier that a special 25% quota for women had been allocated under the EV scheme, while the remaining distribution would be based on provincial population share. In a special directive, the prime minister ordered that Balochistan’s share be increased to 10%.
He further emphasized the need for third-party verification of the EV distribution process to ensure transparency and accountability. He directed that individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds be given preference in the scheme.
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The prime minister also stressed that all EVs distributed must comply with strict quality and safety standards and called for the launch of a public awareness campaign to educate citizens about the scheme and its benefits.
The briefing revealed that government support is already enabling low-cost financing for electric bikes, rickshaws, and loaders. Moreover, four new battery manufacturing companies are setting up operations in Pakistan as a direct result of the initiative — a move expected to create new business and employment opportunities.
Prime Minister Shehbaz directed swift implementation of the programme. The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Ahad Khan Cheema and Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, Chief Coordinator Mosharraf Zaidi, and other senior officials.