Strategic Steps to Accelerate Electric Mobility in Pakistan
A high-level consultative meeting was held at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCCandEC) to discuss strategies for accelerating the country's transition to electric mobility. The session, chaired by Secretary MoCCandEC, Aisha Humera Moriani, aimed to address key challenges and opportunities in moving towards a cleaner and more sustainable transport system.
Focus on Charging Infrastructure and Financing
The primary focus of the meeting was on scaling up charging infrastructure, which is essential for supporting widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). Participants also explored ways to accelerate the retrofitting of motorcycles and other fuel-powered vehicles, as well as mechanisms to make EVs more accessible and affordable. These discussions were aligned with Pakistan’s commitments under its 2021 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which set a target of achieving 30 percent EV adoption by 2030.
The transition to electric mobility is part of broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, combat air pollution and smog, and promote sustainable transport solutions. The meeting brought together senior officials from various government departments, including Zulfiqar Younas, Additional Secretary, MoCCandEC; Asif Saeed Khan, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Industries and Production; Khuda Bakhsh Ali, CEO, Engineering Development Board; Muhammad Asif Sahibzada, Director General (Env. and CC); and Muhammad Azeem Khoso, Director (Urban Planning) of MoCCandEC. Representatives from leading EV manufacturing and importing firms also participated in the discussion.
Key Challenges and Opportunities
One of the central topics of the meeting was the conversion of existing fuel-powered two-, three- and four-wheelers to electric. Participants highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of this shift and called for stronger national commitment and supportive policies to boost EV penetration. Industry representatives raised concerns about the current lack of sufficient charging infrastructure and the high cost of owning an EV. They emphasized the need to develop modern charging facilities, especially along highways and motorways, to support sustainable growth in the sector.
Secretary Moriani acknowledged these concerns, stating that inadequate EV charging infrastructure, particularly in urban areas, remains a major barrier to the transition. She emphasized that without significant investment in this area, the goal of widespread electric mobility will remain unattainable.
Retrofitting and Local Production
Muhammad Asif Sahibzada, Director General (Env. and CC), highlighted the importance of retrofitting, noting that Pakistan has over 37 million fuel-powered vehicles, including 28.7 million petrol motorcycles, which are major contributors to pollution. He stated that standardized retrofitting offers a cost-effective and scalable solution, especially for the motorcycle segment, which dominates the country's transport landscape.
In addition, MoCCandEC Secretary Aisha Humera Moriani emphasized the potential of electrifying two-wheelers to significantly reduce fuel costs and emissions. This aligns with the Prime Minister's Green Pakistan vision, which aims to promote sustainable technologies and practices.
Regulatory Framework and Domestic Assembly
The Ministry also stressed the urgency of developing a robust regulatory framework for motorcycle retrofitting to ensure safety, quality, and performance. Clear guidelines and enforcement mechanisms are needed to support the process effectively. Furthermore, the Secretary advocated for a shift from reliance on imported Completely Built Units (CBUs) to the local assembly of Completely Knocked Down (CKD) EVs.
Encouraging CKD production, she said, would lower costs, support domestic industry, and generate green jobs across the country. This move is expected to enhance the competitiveness of the local EV market while contributing to environmental sustainability.
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