Pakistan, China ink EV charging pact

Pakistan and China have signed an agreement to strengthen the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem through local manufacturing and technology transfer, as the government prepares to roll out a new Battery Energy Storage System Policy.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan witnessed the signing of an MoU between StarCharge, StarCharge Energy Pakistan and Bahum Global Ltd, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Industries and Production on Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion, Khan said the government is committed to transforming Pakistan's transportation sector through electric mobility. He said the forthcoming Battery Energy Storage System Policy would pave the way for an EV revolution by encouraging local manufacturing, attracting foreign investment and creating a sustainable industrial ecosystem.

He emphasised that the transition to EVs would significantly reduce Pakistan's dependence on imported petroleum products, helping lower the import bill while promoting environmental sustainability and energy security.

The SAPM said the government is facilitating the establishment of EV charging infrastructure across the country to support growing adoption. He said the expansion of charging stations would make electric mobility more accessible for consumers.

Khan described EVs as the future of transportation and a key driver of Pakistan's industrial transformation. He said strategic partnerships with leading Chinese companies would facilitate local manufacturing of EV batteries, promote technology transfer, strengthen domestic industrial capabilities and generate employment opportunities for Pakistani youth.