The federal government will provide free electric bicycles to top priesting students across all educational board in Pakistan, including the federal board, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced Friday.
Prime Minister, who was chairman of a high -level meeting on electric vehicle (EV) promotion, said the initiative is aiming to reward academic expertise while supporting the government’s wider push for cleaner, cost -effective transport.
The scheme will also prioritize financially disadvantaged people for the supply of electric rickshaws and loaders, which helps to create employment and reduce the dependence on fuel imports.
To ensure accessibility, the government prepares a comprehensive action plan for introducing electric vehicles at affordable prices through subsidized loans.
Over 100,000 electric bicycles and 300,000 loaders will be distributed on light terms, officials confirmed during the meeting.
The Prime Minister ordered that 25% of the total quota under the EV scheme were reserved for women with provincial allocations based on population conditions. He also instructed that Balochistan’s share is increased to 10%.
In addition to the student-focused initiative, the government is taking steps to establish a complete ecosystem for the manufacture and maintenance of EVs.
Four new battery production companies are set to begin operations in Pakistan as part of this plan, which is expected to create new job opportunities and increase the local industry.
To ensure transparency and accountability, PM Shehbaz ordered third-party validation of distribution and support mechanisms.
He also called for a public awareness campaign to inform citizens about the scheme and encourage admission.
Electric bikes, rickshaws and loaders distributed under the initiative must meet safety and quality standards, the prime minister emphasized.
The meeting attended federal ministers Ahad Khan Cheema and Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, Chief Coordinator Mosharraf Zaidi and senior officials from relevant departments.
