Govt to localise lithium-ion battery

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan is engaging China in agreements worth $558 million focused on lithium-ion battery assembly and manufacturing for value addition, officials said on Tuesday.

The government is pursuing business-to-business engagements with Chinese firms to exploit local mineral reserves and reduce import reliance through domestic battery production. A phased domestic supply plan has been identified to address gaps, import dependence, joint-venture opportunities and required policy actions.

This was discussed at a high-level meeting on the Lithium-Ion Battery Policy chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan. The meeting was attended by Secretary Industries and Production Saif Anjum, Engineering Development Board Chief Executive Hammad Mansoor and private-sector representatives.

Participants reviewed progress on the National Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturing Policy 2026–2031. The SAPM said the energy storage policy must be integrated with Pakistan's national energy security framework, in line with the prime minister's directives, and underscored the importance of private-sector and global investor partnerships.