Shehbaz urges shift to EVs amid fuel crisis

PM directs swift reforms in railways

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday, alluding to recent regional situation and spiraling global petroleum prices, underlined the need for introduction of environment-friendly electric vehicles (EVs) across the country, thus saving country's precious foreign reserves.

Addressing a ceremony of provision of eco-smart electric vehicles to the Islamabad Capital Traffic Police, the prime minister said that such like precedents of energy saving initiatives should be emulated by all the law enforcement agencies and provinces.

He observed that a total of 15 electric vehicles were provided by the interior ministry which ran on batteries without using petrol and oil while another batch of vehicles would be inducted soon.

Terming the initiative a significant one, the prime minister said such like steps would cast positive impacts upon the country's foreign reserves.

On the occasion, he also congratulated Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi and his team for taking this initiative.

These vehicles would be available on key avenues of the capital to ensure smooth vehicular flow, it was told.

Each vehicle after complete charge could cover 350kms to 400kms distance. Fast charging requires 60 minutes to 90 minutes whereas regular charging times vary from 6 to 8 hours.

Railway projects

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed the Minister for Railways to ensure the timely completion of ongoing railway projects and utilize all available resources to provide the public with better, safer, and affordable travel facilities.

The prime minister, in a meeting with Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi here, said that in the prevailing economic conditions, the government was avoiding placing any additional burden on the masses and was also focusing on improving the railway system to increase its revenue.

During the meeting, the overall performance of Pakistan Railways, ongoing reforms, and future projects were discussed.

Briefing the prime minister on the operational matters of Pakistan Railways, the railways minister said that keeping in view the public convenience amid the current Gulf situation, the fares for no train were increased across the country.

Prime Minister Shehbaz directed to accelerate the reform measures to transform Pakistan Railways into a modern, safe, and reliable transportation system.