Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif unveiled the free eBike Scheme during a high-level meeting on accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Pakistan, promoting clean energy transportation nationwide. In the meeting, the Prime Minister received a comprehensive briefing on the environmental and economic benefits of electric vehicles (EVs), emphasizing that the transition to electric vehicles will significantly reduce Pakistan’s reliance on imported petrol and diesel, thereby conserving critical foreign exchange reserves.
The free eBike Scheme was a key focus of the discussion, with the Prime Minister announcing that, similar to the popular laptop distribution program, electric motorbikes will be distributed to high-performing students in government schools. This initiative, part of the broader effort to promote eco-friendly transportation, is designed to not only reward academic excellence but also to foster environmental responsibility among the younger generation.
The Prime Minister instructed the creation of a detailed financial model to support both the free eBike Scheme and the overall electric vehicle initiative. He called for immediate consultations with the Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of Pakistan to ensure the scheme’s financial sustainability. Additionally, he directed improvements in licensing regulations to facilitate the local manufacturing of electric vehicles(EVs), emphasizing that all provinces, federal units, and stakeholders must be consulted to create a cohesive national policy on electric vehicles.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif further announced that moving forward; all federal ministries will exclusively purchase electric motorbikes for government institutions, ensuring the government sets an example in adopting green energy solutions. He directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to develop a comprehensive plan for the implementation of electric public transport in Islamabad, a move aligned with the goals of the free eBike Scheme.
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During the meeting, it was revealed that significant progress has already been made in Pakistan’s electric vehicle sector, with 49 licenses issued for the production of two- and three-wheel electric vehicles since 2022.
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Furthermore, 25 factories have begun production, and the country now boasts 45,000 two- and three-wheel EVs, along with 2,600 four-wheel EVs. The first license for local four-wheel EV production was issued in September 2024, and the first locally-produced electric car is expected by December this year.
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To support the rapid expansion of electric vehicles (EVs), charging stations will be prioritized along major routes, including motorways, GT Road, National Highway 5, National Highway 65, and National Highway 70. Federal ministers such as Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Owais Leghari, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Ali Pervaiz Malik, and climate change coordinators were present at the meeting, underscoring the government’s unified commitment to sustainable development.
