Islamabad: In a significant step toward sustainable mobility and economic empowerment, the federal government has announced a large-scale electric vehicle (EV) scheme that includes the distribution of over 100,000 electric bikes and 300,000 electric rickshaws and loaders, with a dedicated 25% quota for women.
The decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where it was revealed that the scheme aims to reduce Pakistan’s reliance on fuel imports, lower carbon emissions, and create new livelihood opportunities, especially for women, students, and unemployed youth.
As part of the initiative, top-performing students will be given electric bikes free of cost, while unemployed individuals and low-income groups will be offered electric rickshaws and loaders on easy instalments. The Prime Minister highlighted that shifting to electric vehicles would save billions in foreign exchange and help build a greener and more resilient economy.
Women-Centric Inclusion
The scheme’s 25% allocation for women is being seen as a major move to encourage female participation in Pakistan’s transportation sector and broader economic landscape. The government intends to improve mobility options for women, making access to education and employment more feasible.
Local Industry & Employment Boost
The initiative has already led to the establishment of four new battery manufacturing companies in the country. Officials say this will not only support the EV infrastructure but also generate employment opportunities and open doors for local entrepreneurship in green technology.
Safety, Quality & Awareness
To ensure transparency and public trust, the government has mandated third-party validation for safety and quality checks of all electric vehicles distributed under this scheme. A nationwide awareness campaign is also in the works to educate the public about the benefits, maintenance, and safety of EVs.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister instructed relevant departments to prepare a comprehensive and immediate action plan to ensure the swift and inclusive rollout of the scheme. The initiative also aims to lay the groundwork for a broader EV ecosystem, including charging infrastructure, local manufacturing, and after-sales service.
The new EV scheme is expected to play a crucial role in youth empowerment, climate action, and economic revitalization, and reflects the government’s intent to align national transport policies with global sustainability goals.
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