ISLAMABAD: Pakistan plans to shift 30% of its vehicles to electric power over the next five years, the prime minister’s office said on Wednesday, aiming to save up to $4.5 billion in fuel imports as it accelerates efforts to reduce energy costs and strengthen economic resilience.
The move comes as Pakistan grapples with a heavy fuel import bill and recurring energy shortages, which have strained public finances and contributed to inflation. Transitioning to electric vehicles is seen as a way to reduce reliance on imported oil while easing pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
Globally, governments are increasingly promoting electric mobility to cut emissions and improve energy security, and Pakistan is now attempting to align with that shift while also addressing domestic challenges such as urban pollution and rising transport costs.
“In the next five years, 30% of vehicles in the country are planned to be electric, which will result in estimated fuel savings of up to $4.5 billion,” according to a statement released by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office after he chaired a review meeting on the subject.
“Given the current regional situation and future requirements, promoting electric vehicles will not only reduce the fuel import burden but is also critical for environmental protection and energy security,” Sharif was quoted as saying.
Officials told the meeting that 72 manufacturing certificates have already been issued for electric motorcycles and rickshaws, along with four for electric cars, as the government seeks to build local production capacity.
They added that 123 applications have been received for setting up EV charging stations across the country, while subsidy schemes for low-income users and installment-based electric bike programs for government employees are also being rolled out.&
The government has said improving transparency in subsidy distribution and accelerating implementation will be key to achieving the targets.
