Islamabad, July 18, 2025 – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a landmark initiative to reward academic excellence by gifting electric bikes to outstanding students from all educational boards across Pakistan, including the federal board.
This move, aimed at recognizing high-achieving students, also serves as a catalyst for early adoption of clean and sustainable transport solutions.
In a high-level meeting on Friday, Shehbaz unveiled a comprehensive national strategy to promote electric vehicles (EVs), including bikes, rickshaws, and loaders, with a clear focus on reducing fuel imports, encouraging green innovation, and creating jobs through a localized EV industry. “This is not just a policy decision—it is an economic and environmental imperative,” Shehbaz emphasized, highlighting the burden of Pakistan’s rising fuel bill.
He stated that students represent the future of the country, and empowering them with eco-friendly mobility is an investment in both education and climate action. “These electric bikes are a token of appreciation for their academic dedication and a step toward a cleaner Pakistan,” the prime minister said.
The premier further announced that jobless citizens will receive preference for electric rickshaws and loaders, with low-interest loans and subsidies made available to stimulate small-scale entrepreneurship across urban and rural areas. Additionally, he instructed ministries to ensure that the entire EV initiative is transparent, directing third-party audits of the subsidy and distribution systems.
Shehbaz stressed the need to prioritize low-income and marginalized communities, particularly in the EV ownership process. A 25 per cent quota for women has been reserved under the scheme, while the remaining will be allocated according to provincial populations—with Balochistan’s share increased to 10 per cent on Shehbaz’s special instructions.
To guarantee reliability, he mandated that all EVs distributed under government support must adhere to strict quality standards. A nationwide awareness campaign will also be launched to inform citizens—especially students—on how to benefit from the scheme.
The scheme envisions over 100,000 electric bikes and 300,000 rickshaws and loaders hitting the roads, supported by easy financing. Encouragingly, four new battery manufacturing companies are preparing to launch operations in Pakistan, marking a significant leap in the country’s green industrial capacity and future job opportunities.
Through this initiative, Shehbaz aims to empower students, reduce emissions, and reshape Pakistan’s transportation future.