Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formally launched the New Energy Vehicle Policy 2025-2030, a landmark initiative aimed at promoting environmentally friendly and cost-effective transportation in Pakistan.
The policy seeks to reduce carbon emissions, save billions in foreign exchange, foster innovation, and empower the youth to spearhead the country’s transition towards a green economy.
Addressing the launch ceremony, the prime minister said Pakistan, despite contributing little to global emissions, is among the most climate-vulnerable countries.
He cited flash floods, cloudbursts, and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) as recurring threats, stressing that their intensity is worsening each year, causing heavy losses to lives and property.
“No country can tackle this mounting challenge alone,” he said, urging developed nations, especially the West, to support vulnerable countries like Pakistan in building climate-resilient infrastructure.
Earlier, Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain said the policy reflects the prime minister’s vision of empowering youth and advancing clean mobility.
Special Assistant to the PM on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan described the policy as a blueprint for Pakistan’s clean transport revolution.
He said the country is now moving beyond vehicle assembly into battery production, charging equipment, and advanced parts manufacturing.
Highlighting the economic benefits, Haroon Akhtar said Pakistan spends billions annually on petroleum imports, while urban air pollution costs over Rs105 billion in productivity and healthcare losses. Meanwhile, 126 terawatt hours of surplus electricity remain untapped.
“Running an electric motorcycle today costs less than one-third of petrol per kilometre,” he noted, adding that incentives like financing reforms, toll exemptions, and free registration will make electric mobility accessible to households, delivery riders, transporters, and businesses alike.
On the occasion, the prime minister also distributed free e-bikes among top-performing students as a symbolic step towards clean and affordable mobility.