ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's climate change ministry has allocated Rs1.5 billion to introduce electric vehicles (EVs) for reduced carbon emissions in the country under its green stimulus program, a senior government functionary told the state-owned Associated Press of Pakistan on Sunday.
Last year in December, the government decided to incentivize local production of these vehicles by bringing down sales tax from 17 percent to one percent. The measure was taken under the Auto Industry Development and Export Policy that also aimed to promote compact cars and development of better tractors and motorbikes.
The prime minister's advisor on climate change Malik Amin Aslam told the APP news agency that electric buses would be launched at the mass transit metro bus routes to reduce pollution.
"It will help ensure safe, affordable, and emissions-free transport for the citizens and will also encourage the masses to opt for EVs," he added.
Aslam said he had opposed the proposed taxes on electric vehicles during cabinet meetings and advocated low tariffs to implement the government's environment friendly policies.
He added it was important to bring these vehicles to Pakistan to reap maximum benefits from the country's first Electric Vehicle Policy.
