PM Shehbaz Sharif Directs Accelerated EV Adoption to Cut Fuel Import Bill by $4.5 Billion

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to accelerate efforts to promote electric vehicles (EVs) across Pakistan as part of a strategy to reduce the country’s fuel import bill.

Chairing a meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, the prime minister reviewed progress on electric mobility initiatives and stressed the need to fast-track ongoing projects aimed at increasing EV adoption nationwide.

He said that in light of the evolving regional situation and future energy demands, shifting towards electric vehicles would help reduce dependence on imported fuel while also supporting environmental protection and energy security.

The prime minister also instructed authorities to ensure transparency in subsidies provided under the National EV Policy, particularly for electric motorcycles targeting low-income individuals, and to speed up the rollout of the scheme.

During the briefing, officials informed the meeting that 72 manufacturing certificates have been issued for electric motorcycles and rickshaws, while four certificates have been granted for electric car production.

123 applications have been received for setting up EV charging stations across the country.

The government aims to convert 30 percent of vehicles in Pakistan to electric within the next five years, a move expected to save around $4.5 billion in fuel costs.

It was further shared that government employees up to Grade 16 will be offered electric bikes on easy installment plans.

The meeting was attended by federal ministers, senior officials, and key stakeholders, including Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.