Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Imran Khan launched Pakistan's first-ever environment-friendly electric motorbike (E-bike) on Thursday.
Addressing at a ceremony in Islamabad, the premier said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led government has given a new roadmap to protect the future generations from global warming, encourage wealth creation and enhance tax collection.
“Our electric vehicle policy is part of government's Clean and Green Initiative,” PM Imran said.
Terming the manufacturing of E-bike a futuristic and positive step, he said we have to manufacture electric buses and cars in order to address the issue of pollution in big cities where the pollution level has reached the dangerous levels.
In addition, he said we are also executing ten billion tree Tsunami project and preparing master plans for cities to deal with the issue.
As regards the wealth creation, the premier said it will be ensured that auto parts including that of motorcycles and other raw materials are locally manufactured.
“Local production will be ensured in order to bolster our exports to address the issue of balance of payment on permanent basis,” PM Imran said, assuring to extend every possible assistance to strengthen the auto sector.
He said that a mineral map is also being prepared which will show how rich the country is rich in natural resources.
“The economy is on the upward trajectory and steps are being taken to ensure sustainable growth,” PM Imran said.
Alluding to the government's austerity drive, Imran Khan said we have significantly reduced the expenditures of PM House and PM Secretariat over the last three years.
“Our aim is to give confidence to the taxpayers that their money will be spent on their welfare,” the PM said.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Industries and Production Khusro Bakhtiar said a new auto policy will be presented before the cabinet next month for approval.
He said the policy will focus on local production of vehicles and make the auto industry export oriented.
“Under the electric vehicle policy, three licenses have already been given whilst licenses for 17 more manufacturers are in the line,” the minister said, adding that the development of charging infrastructure will also be encouraged which will provide job opportunities to the youth.
He said Pakistan has a good motorcycle manufacturing industry and it is eyeing exports to Afghanistan, Central Asian States and Africa.
