In a major push toward a greener future, the government of Pakistan has unveiled an ambitious plan to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at every fuel station and key public location in Islamabad by 2030. While it may seem like a small step, officials believe it’s a giant leap toward creating a cleaner, more sustainable capital.
Read more: Punjab to have EV charging station at every new Fuel Station
Turning Islamabad Into a Model Green City
The announcement came during the fifth meeting of the Steering Committee on Electric Vehicle Policy, where progress and future goals for EV adoption were reviewed. The meeting was led by Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, and attended by representatives from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), and Capital Development Authority (CDA).
The key message? Islamabad must lead the charge. As the nation’s capital, it is expected to set the tone for environmental reform by transitioning away from fossil fuels and embracing cleaner technologies.
Accelerating the EV Future
Pakistan is aiming to have 2.2 million electric vehicles—cars and motorcycles—on the roads within the next five years. To support this shift, over 3,000 EV charging stations are slated for installation across the country by the end of the year.
Islamabad, however, is taking it a step further. Traditional fuel stations—symbols of a fossil-fueled past—are being reimagined as future-ready EV hubs. For daily commuters, this means:
- Reduced air pollution
- Lower vehicle running costs
- A move toward healthier urban living
Addressing EV Challenges
Naturally, concerns about EV performance in Pakistan’s hot climate were raised. To address this, a technical team presented research on battery resilience and charging efficiency in high temperatures—crucial data for cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. The results were encouraging, suggesting that the technology is adapting well to local conditions.
Making EVs Affordable
Another key focus of the meeting was making electric vehicles more accessible to the general public. The government is exploring subsidy options to ease the financial burden of EV adoption. With inflation and fuel prices on the rise, this initiative could offer much-needed relief to Pakistani households.
Upcoming Electric Vehicles and Future Plans
As part of this transformation, several global and local automakers are preparing to introduce new EV models in Pakistan. Brands such as MG, Hyundai, and BYD are expected to roll out electric vehicles suited to the local market, while domestic manufacturers are working on affordable electric bikes and compact EVs. The government’s long-term strategy includes developing a full-fledged EV ecosystem with local assembly plants, battery recycling units, and nationwide charging infrastructure. These steps are intended to make electric mobility mainstream and position Pakistan as a regional leader in clean transportation by 2040.
Collective Action for a Greener Tomorrow
Haroon Akhtar stressed the importance of collaboration, urging federal and provincial departments to work in sync to implement the policy effectively. He also mentioned that Pakistan’s green efforts will be measured against international environmental benchmarks—potentially unlocking access to global carbon credit markets.
What This Means for You
- Cleaner air and healthier communities
- Long-term savings on transport
- Reduced reliance on imported fuel
“This isn’t just a technological shift—it’s a cultural one,” Haroon Akhtar said. “Our EV policy is not just about cars and batteries. It’s about building a smarter, cleaner Pakistan for generations to come.”