ISLAMABAD:
Citing the recent regional situation and rising global oil prices, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday stressed the need for introduction of eco-friendly electric vehicles (EVs) across the country, saving the country’s precious foreign reserves.
Speaking at a ceremony of providing eco-smart electric vehicles to the Islamabad Capital Traffic Police, the Prime Minister said that such similar precedents of energy saving initiatives should be emulated by all law enforcement agencies and provinces.
He noted that a total of 15 electric vehicles were supplied by the Ministry of Home Affairs, which ran on batteries without using petrol and oil, while another batch of vehicles would be inducted soon.
Terming the initiative as an important initiative, the prime minister said such steps would have a positive impact on the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
On the occasion, he also congratulated Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi and his team for taking this initiative.
These vehicles would be available on major roads in the capital to ensure smooth vehicular flow, it was told.
Each vehicle after full charge could cover 350 km to 400 km distance. Fast charging requires 60 minutes to 90 minutes, while regular charging times range from 6 to 8 hours.
Railway projects
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed the Minister of Railways to ensure timely completion of ongoing railway projects and use all available resources to provide better, safer and affordable travel facilities to the public.
The Prime Minister, in a meeting with Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi here, said that in the prevailing economic conditions, the government avoided putting any additional burden on the masses and also focused on improving the railway system to increase its revenue.
During the meeting, the overall performance of Pakistan Railways, ongoing reforms and future projects were discussed.
Briefing the Prime Minister about the operational affairs of Pakistan Railways, the Railway Minister said that keeping in view the public convenience amid the current Gulf situation, the fares of no trains were increased across the country.
Prime Minister Shehbaz directed to speed up the reform measures to transform Pakistan Railways into a modern, safe and reliable transport system.
