Transition towards sustainable mobility: EU team, Haroon discuss avenues for cooperation regarding EVs

The European Union has shown keen interest in broader industrial cooperation with Pakistan, Business Recorder reported, with EV-related workforce training at the centre of the talks. The discussion took place in Islamabad on Tuesday between Advisor to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan and an EU delegation. Both sides explored how to work together in the electric vehicle field, and the meeting also looked at institutional coordination and industry involvement.

Khan said Pakistan has set a goal of raising the electric vehicle share to 30 percent by 2030, and argued that this requires trained technicians, engineers and a supporting industrial base rather than only new vehicles. He noted that several companies have entered the local market, which is creating demand for people with modern EV skills. He also stressed that early investment in skills would help young Pakistanis access new jobs.

Khan also said the forthcoming Auto Policy, due within weeks, will focus on electric vehicles and the wider auto sector, while a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Policy is being prepared. He added that electric mobility could reduce the oil import bill and support local value addition. The Engineering Development Board has been directed to work with the EU delegation on practical cooperation areas.