Government is working on a scheme to distribute over 100,000 electric bikes and 300,000 electric rickshaws/loaders under its new electric vehicle (EV) scheme.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a nationwide scheme to provide 100,000 electric bikes on easy loan terms, making eco-friendly transportation more accessible to students, the unemployed, and lower-income individuals.
Need to shift towards electric vehicles EVs
Chairing a high-level meeting on Friday, the Prime Minister emphasized the high demand to shift toward electric vehicles (EVs). He highlighted how this transition could prove to be beneficial for Pakistan to save billions in
- Fuel costs
- Reduce pollution
- Give a much-needed boost to the local EV industry
“We must take electric mobility to the common man,” he said. “Not just to secure the environment, but to support livelihoods and shrink our dependence on imported fuel.”
Read more: Govt to honor top students of federal board with free electric bikes
New proposed scheme benefits
Under the proposed scheme, top-performing students in intermediate exams across all education boards—including the federal board—will be rewarded with free electric bikes. In addition, electric rickshaws and loaders will be distributed to unemployed youth, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, to support self-employment and micro-enterprises.
Special 25% quota for Women
The plan also includes a special 25% quota for women, aimed at promoting female mobility and empowerment. The remaining quota will be distributed across provinces based on population, but the Prime Minister has directed that Balochistan’s share be increased to 10%, acknowledging the region’s developmental needs.
To ensure transparency and impact, Shehbaz Sharif called for third-party validation of the entire scheme. He also directed the launch of a public awareness campaign so that citizens clearly understand how to apply and benefit from the program.
In a welcome development for the industry, it was unveiled during the meeting that four new battery manufacturing companies are setting up operations in Pakistan, much obliged to the government’s strong push for electric vehicles.
These investments are anticipated to produce new jobs and business opportunities, which will highly contribute to the local economy.
The Prime Minister highly focused on safety and quality standards, ordering that all e-bikes, rickshaws, and loaders under the scheme be certified for reliable use.
As the country strongly grapples with rising fuel costs and urban pollution, this initiative depicting a transformative step toward a cleaner, more inclusive transport future. If executed well, it could not only green Pakistan’s streets but also change lives across the nation.