Policy dialogue advocates stable EV framework

A policy dialogue held in Islamabad on Wednesday urged authorities to set a stable electric vehicle framework and widen charging networks, according to Business Recorder. Indus Consortium organised the session at the Pakistan Red Crescent as part of the Climate Justice Youth Film Festival. Representatives from ministries, academia, financial institutions, the private sector and civil society discussed ways to make electric mobility affordable across the country.

Speakers linked their demands to the government's New Energy Vehicle Policy 2025 to 2030, which targets 30 per cent electrification of new vehicle sales by 2030 and 50 per cent for two-wheelers, three-wheelers and buses. Senator Poonjo Mal Bheel wanted charging and battery-swapping points extended beyond highways into cities and rural areas, alongside grid upgrades that work with renewable energy. Participants also proposed local production of EVs, batteries and components as a way to lower costs.

Banks and financial institutions were asked for de-risking mechanisms and clearer standards on battery life and resale value to unlock affordable EV loans. Rashid Azeem of UBL was one of the speakers, alongside representatives of the State Bank of Pakistan and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa transport department. The dialogue was followed by screening of student short films, with University of Balochistan taking first prize.