All fuel stations in Islamabad will have electric vehicle charging points by 2030

449

The government has declared a bold plan to promote a greener future: by 2030, every fuel station and key location in Islamabad will be equipped with electric vehicle (EV) charging points. It’s a small plug, but it is considered to be a mega step toward a cleaner, more sustainable capital. 

Shaping the Capital into a Green City 

The decision emerged during the fifth meeting of the Steering Committee on Electric Vehicle Policy, where officials had evaluated how far Pakistan has come—and how far it still requires going. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, chaired the session, joined by representatives from key government bodies like the  

• FBR 

• SBP 

• CDA

The message was clear: Islamabad city has to lead by example. As Islamabad is the capital of the country, it should have to set the example for others when it comes to nip the evil of vehicular pollution in the bud and embracing cleaner technology. 

Powering Up the EV Vision 

Pakistan intends to have 2.2 million electric cars and motorcycles on the roads in the next five years as this is a major part of the main plan. To support this growth, more than 3,000 EV charging stations will be installed all over the country by the end of this year. 

Read more: Rs 23.57 kWh tariff for EV charging stations approved

In Islamabad, however, the goal is more ambitious. Fuel stations are the symbols of a fossil-fueled past—are being reimagined as future-ready charging points. For commuters, this will lead to 

• Fewer emissions 

• Cleaner air 

• Eventually, minimizing running costs for their vehicles

Is Pakistan Ready for EVs? 

Some of the professionals at the meeting addressed the obvious question: Will electric vehicles work well in Pakistan’s climate? just for answering it, a technical team presented research on battery durability and charging efficiency in hot weather—something especially important for regions like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. 

The early results were promising. Technology is adapting, and Pakistan is ready to adapt with it. 

Making It Affordable for the Public 

The government also made a discussion on a subsidy scheme for electric vehicles, which is meant to make EVs affordable for everyday citizens. With inflation and fuel costs putting pressure on households, this could be a welcome change for the masses looking to switch to cost-efficient, cleaner transport. 

Teamwork Makes the Green Dream Work 

Haroon Akhtar emphasized that this transition needs teamwork. Provinces, cities, and federal departments must work together to ensure the policy is not just a plan on paper but a real shift on the ground. 

He added that Pakistan’s efforts will be evaluated using global environmental standards, helping the country potentially get benefits from carbon credits on the international stage. 

What It Means for You 

• Cleaner air and healthier cities 

• Cheaper transport in the long run 

• Less dependence on imported fuel 

“We cannot say that it is a shift in technology—it’s a shift in mindset,” said SAPM Haroon Akhtar. “The electric vehicle policy is about more than cars and batteries. It’s all about building a cleaner, smarter Pakistan for our future generations.”