Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formally launched Pakistan's New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Policy 2025-30, calling it a landmark initiative for clean transport, climate resilience, industrial transformation, and youth empowerment.
Speaking at the launch ceremony on Tuesday, he said the new policy represents a national commitment to reducing emissions, promoting clean technology, and shifting to sustainable transport solutions.
The PM applauded the efforts of Minister for Industries Haroon Akhtar Khan and Federal Minister Rana Tanvir Hussain for crafting what he termed "a comprehensive and forward-looking framework.
"I was personally involved in the meetings and I sincerely appreciate the dedication shown by Haroon Akhtar, the secretary for industries, and all the relevant institutions, both at the federal and provincial levels," Shehbaz Sharif said.
He also acknowledged the technical support extended by the British government and the UK High commissioner in shaping the policy framework. Highlighting Pakistan's vulnerability to climate change, he said the country is among the hardest-hit nations, despite contributing very little to global emissions.
"The devastating floods of 2022, and the loss of over 700 lives due to extreme weather events this year alone, are stark reminders that Pakistan cannot face this crisis alone," he said, urging the international community to provide both technical and financial support.
As part of the launch, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and federal ministers distributed e-scooters to a group of top-performing students from across Pakistan, including Balochistan, Punjab, Sindh, K-P, AJK and the federal capital.
The PM reiterated that the distribution was strictly merit-based, with a 10 per cent additional quota for students from Balochistan. He said 100,000 laptops will soon be distributed to high achievers, and proposed expanding the programme's budget from Rs9 billion to Rs90 billion in the next fiscal year.
"This policy is not only about clean energy. It is about empowering our youth, reducing our carbon footprint, and opening the door to a new era of innovation and opportunity," he said.
Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed the relevant authorities to ensure transparency by integrating the customs inspection and assessment system with modern technology and making it faceless.
"The purpose of improving and modernizing the customs system is to facilitate businessmen associated with exports and imports while simultaneously increasing national revenue," Shehbaz said while chairing the progress review meeting on faceless appraisal of customs.
The prime minister also issued special directives to minimize the time duration of the administrative procedures required for customs inspection and assessment.
For the effective implementation of customs system reforms, all relevant institutions should work in harmony and under an integrated strategy, he said, adding that enhancing business and investment through economic and trade reforms is among the government's top priorities.
Shehbaz stressed on reforms of the customs system, every possible benefit should be derived from international best practices and feasible strategies.
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