Islamabad, November 20, 2024 – Pakistan aims to convert 30% of its vehicles to electric by 2030 under the approved Electric Vehicle (EV) policy, Federal Minister for Communications, Privatization, and Board of Investment, Abdul Aleem Khan, announced on Wednesday.
In a statement, the minister emphasized that efforts are already underway to promote adoption of electric vehicles in Pakistan. He reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving the targets outlined in the policy, which includes facilitating infrastructure for electric vehicles and increasing public awareness.
Abdul Aleem Khan led Pakistan’s delegation at the two-day session Transport and Digital Middle Corridor and Beyond, held during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The session featured participation from ministers and delegates from Turkey, Georgia, Bulgaria, Netherlands, Kyrgyzstan, Romania, Italy, and Azerbaijan, as well as international organizations such as the UN, European Commission, UIC, IRU, and ITF.
Speaking at the Ministerial Roundtable, Khan underscored the importance of green urban transport, adoption of electric vehicles, and renewable energy projects to tackle challenges like population pressure in major cities and deteriorating air quality. He highlighted ongoing efforts to establish charging stations for electric vehicles and other necessary infrastructure to support the transition.
Khan also noted that Karachi’s first fleet of biomethane hybrid buses will achieve 100% fuel savings, adding that the National Green Transport Project may incorporate Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to ensure long-term success.
During the forum, Khan stressed the urgency for developing countries to address climate change and smog, which are increasingly affecting human health and quality of life. He called for targeted micro-level interventions in the transport sector to bring about substantial changes.
The minister also attended the Digital Middle Corridor and Beyond session, where discussions centered on green technology, smog reduction, and digitalization in the transport sector. He noted that the forum provided valuable opportunities to exchange experiences and formulate actionable long-term policies.
Abdul Aleem Khan thanked Azerbaijan’s Minister of Transport, Rashid Nabiov, and Minister of Economy, Mikael Jabarov, for hosting the event, and expressed gratitude to other participating ministers and delegates. He concluded that Pakistan’s delegation will return with constructive insights to strengthen the country’s sustainable transport strategy.
