ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that the federal government will provide free electric bikes to top-performing students across all education boards in Pakistan, including the Federal Board.
He made the announcement on Friday while chairing a high-level meeting on the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs). The initiative is part of a broader plan to encourage academic excellence and promote clean, low-cost transport in the country.
The government also plans to give electric rickshaws and loaders to people from low-income backgrounds to help them earn a livelihood and reduce reliance on fuel imports.
According to officials, over 100,000 electric bikes and 300,000 electric loaders will be provided on easy terms. A subsidised loan scheme will also be introduced to make electric vehicles more affordable for the general public.
The prime minister directed that 25% of the quota in this scheme should be reserved for women, with provincial shares based on population. He also ordered that Balochistan’s share be increased to 10%.
The meeting was informed that four new battery manufacturing companies will soon start operations in Pakistan. This is expected to support EV maintenance, create new jobs, and promote local industry.
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To ensure fair distribution, PM Shehbaz instructed that a third-party audit be conducted. He also called for a nationwide awareness campaign so that citizens fully understand and benefit from the scheme.
All electric vehicles distributed through this programme must meet safety and quality standards, he added.
The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Ahad Khan Cheema and Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, Chief Coordinator Mosharraf Zaidi, and other senior officials.
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