ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday emphasised the need for adopting environment-friendly electric vehicles (EVs) across the country, citing rising global petroleum prices and recent regional tensions as key reasons for the shift.
Addressing a ceremony marking the handover of eco-smart EVs to the Islamabad Traffic Police, the prime minister said such energy-saving initiatives should serve as a model for all law enforcement agencies and provincial governments.
“The move towards electric mobility will not only conserve our dwindling foreign reserves but also promote sustainable urban transport,” he remarked.
During the ceremony, Prime Minister Sharif handed over 15 eco-friendly electric vehicles to the Islamabad Capital Territory Traffic Police. These vehicles are part of the government’s energy-saving policy and the Prime Minister’s vision for greener, more efficient urban transport.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the procurement of these vehicles began several months ago, before the recent fuel crisis in the Gulf region.
Each vehicle will be staffed by a captain, a male responder, a responder, and a driver, all equipped with specially designed uniforms. The EVs will be deployed along major city roads to enhance traffic flow.
The vehicles are capable of covering 350 to 400 kilometres on a full charge. Fast charging takes 60 to 90 minutes, while standard charging requires six to eight hours.
The transition from petrol-powered vehicles is expected to save around Rs 0.55 million per vehicle per month, with the fleet projected to recover its initial costs within 13 to 14 months.
The prime minister noted that the interior ministry had provided the 15 EVs, which operate solely on battery power without the use of petrol or oil, and that another batch of vehicles would be inducted soon.
He also congratulated Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his team for spearheading the initiative.
Federal ministers, senior Islamabad police officials, and other relevant authorities attended the event. Earlier, Islamabad Police Inspector General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi briefed the Prime Minister on the project.
Each EV will have a designated team, including a captain, two responders, and a driver, who will be stationed on key avenues to ensure smooth traffic management.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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