PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday formally launched Pakistan’s New Energy Vehicle Policy for 2025-2030, aimed at promoting environmentally friendly and cost-effective transportation in the country.
Addressing the launch event, he highlighted the policy’s focus on reducing carbon emissions, saving billions of rupees in foreign exchange, fostering innovation and empowering the youth to lead Pakistan into a greener future.
The launch of the new policy is surely a step in the right direction as the country spends billions of dollars annually on petroleum imports while urban air pollution costs the economy more than Rs105 billion in productivity and healthcare losses. The policy, which includes financing reforms, toll exemptions and free registration, aims to make electric mobility accessible to all, including households, delivery riders, transporters and businesses. It is also appreciable that the country was moving beyond vehicle assembly into the production of batteries, charging equipment and advanced parts, moves that could facilitate smooth transition towards clean transport, which will go a long way in realizing the objective of a clean environment and affording cost saving opportunities to both individuals and the government. However, in view of the bitter experience of the past, the authorities concerned should consider all pros and cons before popularization of electric vehicles. This is because the successive governments first provided incentives for CNG kits and CNG stations and then back-tracked wasting investment worth billions of rupees. The government is also sending confusing signals as far as transition to cleaner and affordable solar energy is concerned. People have necessary incentives to opt for electric vehicles but it might dawn upon the government a few years from now that it stands deprived of huge revenue it collects on different pretexts through sale of POL products.
