Islamabad: Malik Khuda Bakhsh, the Energy Committee Convener, has highlighted the new Electric Vehicle Policy as a crucial step in promoting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision for clean, sustainable, and affordable transport in Pakistan. The policy, presented by Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, is seen as a historic move towards reforms in the industrial, environmental, and energy sectors.
According to Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the policy is aligned with the goal of ensuring that 30% of new vehicles sold in Pakistan are electric by 2030. This initiative is expected to save 2.07 billion liters of fuel annually, translating to nearly $1 billion in foreign exchange savings. The policy is also anticipated to reduce carbon emissions by 4.5 million tons annually and decrease health-related expenditures by $405 million each year.
Malik Khuda Bakhsh praised the allocation of 25% of the government-designated subsidy for women, which aims to provide them with safe, affordable, and environmentally friendly travel options. He also supported the government’s plan to set up 40 new electric vehicle charging stations on motorways, with an average distance of 105 km between each. The policy’s inclusion of battery swapping systems, Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) schemes, and mandatory charging points in new urban building codes further supports electric vehicle adoption.
He emphasized the importance of local manufacturing, urging the government to incentivize local production of vehicle parts and introduce a special package for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This policy is seen as a step toward clean energy, sustainable transport, and industrial growth.
Malik Khuda Bakhsh also called for the creation of more investment opportunities, highlighting the interest of foreign investors in Pakistan, who currently lack necessary facilities. He stressed the need for government support and facilitation for investors.
He revealed that the installation of EV charging stations has already commenced in Karachi and other regions. A contract with a Chinese company has been signed to ensure improved energy supply for vehicles. Additionally, CNG station owners in various parts of Sindh and other provinces are in discussions to set up EV charging stations, with more agreements expected soon.