Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to speed up efforts to promote electric vehicles (EVs) across Pakistan, stressing their importance in reducing fuel import costs and strengthening energy security.

Chairing a high-level review meeting on EV adoption, the prime minister called for faster implementation of ongoing initiatives, saying that the shift towards electric mobility is critical given current regional dynamics and future energy needs. He noted that wider EV adoption would help cut oil import bills while also supporting environmental protection and long-term energy stability.

Shehbaz Sharif also instructed officials to ensure transparency in subsidies being provided under the national EV policy, particularly for low-income groups receiving electric motorcycles, and ordered accelerated execution of these schemes to ensure timely delivery of benefits.

During the briefing, officials informed the meeting that progress is underway on expanding EV manufacturing capacity, with 72 certificates issued for electric motorcycle and rickshaw production and four licenses granted for electric vehicle manufacturing. In addition, 123 applications have been received for setting up EV charging stations nationwide.

The meeting was told that the government is targeting a transition of 30 percent of the country’s vehicles to electric power within the next five years, which could potentially save up to $4.5 billion in fuel imports. A separate initiative is also being developed to provide electric bikes to government employees up to Grade 16 on easy instalment plans.

The meeting was attended by federal ministers, senior officials, and key economic policymakers, reflecting a coordinated push toward electric mobility as part of Pakistan’s broader energy and economic strategy.