PESHAWAR: Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Industries, Abdul Karim Tordher has said that the world is moving towards environmental friendly transport solutions and the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs) is a significant step in this direction. He said that sincere policy-making efforts in Pakistan is a positive step in this regard, but emphasized the urgent need for a clear and comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure effective implementation. He expressed these views while addressing a high-level workshop held at the Civil Secretariat here Wednesday regarding the recently introduced fiveyear National Electric Vehicle Policy (2025–2030). The project aimed at promoting electric mobility and eco-friendly transport across the country. The workshop was organized to raise awareness about the new national policy and to strengthen coordination between federal and provincial governments.The session was jointly presided over by Special Assistants to the Chief Minister for Industries, Abdul Karim Tordher, and for Transport, Rangez Khan, along with Federal Secretary for Industries and Production, Saif Anjum. On this occasion, Anjum presented a detailed presentation on the new policy, covering its framework, strategic objectives, expected benefits, institutional mechanisms and the roadmap for implementation. Participants actively contributed suggestions for further improving the policy. The workshop was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Planning & Development Department Ikramullah, Secretary Planning and Development Department Adeel Shah, Secretary Transport Masood Younas, along with other senior officials, representatives from federal and provincial departments, industrialists, business leaders, President of Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Fazal Muqeem, representatives from traders’ associations and other key stakeholders. Under the new five-year policy, a target has been set to convert 30% of the country’s vehicles to electric by 2030. To support this transition, 3,000 electric vehicle charging stations will be established nationwide. On this occasion, the Special Assistant, Abdul Karim Tordher noted that although the new policy was brought for consultation process in a short time, it still represents a positive step toward environmental protection. He stressed the importance of developing local manufacturing capabilities for electric vehicles, particularly in the production of lithium batteries. He called for the introduction of investor-friendly models and transparent leasing mechanisms to promote local industry for battery manufacturing. He further stressed the need for a robust regulatory system to address issues such as battery lifespan, safe disposal after use and potential environmental impacts. He also highlighted the importance of a transparent policy on the location, accessibility and operational protocols of charging stations. Karim Tordher assured that the Industries Department, through the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Board of Investment and Trade, would maintain close liaison with federal agencies in case of any coordination at the provincial level. On this occasion, Special Assistant for Transport Rangez Khan stated that the subsidies offered in the policy for twoand three-wheeled electric vehicles would benefit low-income individuals, provided that charging stations are made available in rural areas. He proposed that all procedures related to the establishment of EV charging stations be completed through
