Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday directed to finalise E-Vehicles policy by November after consultations with all the federating units and stakeholders.
Chairing a meeting in Islamabad, he directed to present a comprehensive financial model and improve licensing regulations regarding the manufacturing of electric vehicles in the country.
Shehbaz Sharif said the government is taking priority steps to promote electric vehicles in the country, noting these vehicles will not only save valuable foreign exchange in terms of import of petrol and diesel but will also be environment friendly.
The prime minister announced to provide E-motorbikes to outstanding students of government schools on the pattern of laptop scheme.
PM Shehbaz directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to prepare a comprehensive plan for electric powered public transport in Islamabad.
The meeting was informed that 49 licenses have been issued since 2022, for the production of two and three wheeled electric vehicles at the local level, of which 25 factories have started manufacturing these vehicles.
It was informed that the first license for domestic production of four wheel electric vehicles was issued in September this year and first indigenously manufactured electric car will come in the market by December.
The meeting was informed that the country currently has 45,000 two-and three-wheeled electric vehicles, as well as 2,600 four-wheeled electric vehicles. Additionally, it was told that the installation of recharging stations for electric vehicles would be prioritized along motorways, GT Road (National Highway 5), and National Highways 65 and 70.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for Power Owais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Federal Minister for Science and Technology Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Ali Pervaiz Malik, Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Climate Change Romina Khurshid Alam, Prime Minister’s Coordinator Rana Ihsaan Afzal, and other senior government officials.