The Punjab government has launched financial incentives under the Chief Minister's Green Credit Programme for citizens to switch from petrol to electric motorbikes.
Eligible individuals can earn up to Rs100,000 by participating in the initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transportation.
According to the programme head, Rizwana Anjum, the scheme offers a green credit of up to Rs100,000 for those who purchase electric motorcycles and register on the Chief Minister Punjab Green Credit Programme web portal.
She shared that the government aims to convert 2,000 petrol motorcycles and 250 other vehicles to electric alternatives during the current fiscal year. This shift is expected to reduce annual carbon emissions by 8,000 tonnes. The broader goal is to cut transport emissions by 20 per cent by 2030, by transitioning 30% of the province's transport fleet to electric vehicles.
The official revealed that the programme comprises 35 citizen-driven initiatives through which they could contribute to reducing carbon emissions and earn credits in return. The initiatives include everyday practices that support environmental sustainability.
"Under Pakistan's international climate commitments, 30% of the transport sector must transition to electric vehicles by 2030," she said. "To support this, citizens still using petrol motorcycles are being offered incentives to switch to electric bikes and earn rewards."
Explaining the process, Rizwana Anjum said citizens who have purchased an electric bike after December 2024 can register on the portal.
They are required to submit information including the bike's purchase date, company and model, registration number, chassis number, a copy of the registration book, and photographs of the vehicle. A programme representative will visit the applicant for verification, following which beneficiary will receive an initial payment of Rs50,000.
An additional Rs50,000 can be obtained by linking the electric bike with the Green Credit mobile application. Riders who complete 6,000 kilometres travel within six months of registration will be eligible for the second installment.
Officials at the Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA) clarified that retrofitting old petrol bikes with electric motors or batteries did not qualify for the programme. Only citizens who purchase a new electric motorcycle and register it through the programme are eligible for the financial incentive.
Central Asian tour
A 15-member group of bikers has set off on a tourism and cultural expedition to Central Asia to strengthen tourist ties among Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
The bikers were seen off by Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP) Managing Director Dr Nasir Mehmood from Gaddafi Stadium.
Group leader Mukarram Tareen said the journey will span 23 days and cover approximately 5,000 kilometres, traversing historic, cultural and natural landmarks across Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
"Our route will take us from Islamabad to Kabul, Kandahar, Samarkand, Bukhara and Tashkent. We plan to stay in these cities and engage with local communities. The core objective of this expedition is to promote peaceful relations, regional friendship and cultural harmony," Tareen stated.
A group member, Nazar Saeed Khan, highlighted that the overland route to Central Asian republics has long remained inactive. "We aim to reconnect with bikers' clubs in Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, and invite them to visit Pakistan. Such exchanges can boost tourism and provide opportunities to experience each other's cultures firsthand," he added.
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