Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed authorities to accelerate efforts to promote electric vehicles (EVs) across Pakistan, stressing that wider adoption would help cut fuel import costs and strengthen energy security.

The prime minister, while chairing a meeting on the promotion of EVs, said that efforts underway to accelerate the promotion of EVs in the country should be further expedited.

During the briefing, the PM was told that a total of 72 manufacturing certificates have been issued for electric motorcycles and rickshaws, while four certificates have been issued for EVs.

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It was learned that 123 applications have so far been received for the establishment of EV charging stations.

Moreover, a plan is being developed for 30% of vehicles in the country to run on electricity over the next five years, which is expected to save up to $4.5 billion in fuel costs.

It was said that government employees up to Grade 16 will be provided with electric bikes on easy instalments.

During the meeting, PM said that in view of the current regional situation and future requirements, the promotion of EVs will not only reduce the burden of fuel imports but is also important for environmental protection and energy security.

He said that under the National EV Policy, transparency in subsidies provided for electric motorcycles to low-income individuals must be ensured, and the implementation of this scheme should be further accelerated.

The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Dr Musadik Malik, Ahsan Iqbal, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, Owais Khan Leghari, Ahad Khan Cheema; Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani; Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar; Chairman Prime Minister Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan; Governor State Bank Jameel Ahmad; and other senior officials.