Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has reaffirmed Pakistan’s strategic interest in advancing electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing through collaboration with Chinese firms, marking it as a crucial pillar of future Pakistan-China cooperation.
Speaking at a press conference at the Pakistani Embassy in Beijing, Iqbal emphasised that electric mobility is becoming increasingly vital for sustainable development. “EVs have become a very important segment,” he noted, highlighting Pakistan’s intent to tap into China’s technological leadership, particularly in next-generation battery technologies such as sodium-ion batteries.
EV Collaboration to Take Centre Stage at Upcoming Business Conference
The minister announced that the upcoming Pakistan-China Business Conference, scheduled for September 4, will act as a key platform to attract EV-related investments. The event is expected to host over 250 Pakistani companies and 200 Chinese firms, fostering sectoral matchmaking in EVs, solar energy, agriculture, chemicals, and more.
Iqbal highlighted that establishing EV production lines in Pakistan would offer cost-effective manufacturing options for Chinese companies while helping Pakistan shift away from fossil fuel dependency. He also underlined the potential for job creation, economic diversification, and localised green innovation.
National EV Policy and Government Support
Pakistan’s recently introduced National Electric Vehicle Policy (2025–2030) sets ambitious goals: 30% of new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030, and net-zero emissions from the transport sector by 2060. The policy offers incentives such as tax cuts, subsidies, and charging infrastructure development, with a strong focus on localisation.
Chinese companies like BYD and Chery are already working on EV assembly and infrastructure projects in Pakistan. These partnerships aim to position Pakistan as a regional EV production hub, ready to cater to South Asia and beyond.
Recent High-Level Meetings Signal Deeper Economic Ties
Iqbal’s visit to China reflects deepening ties under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship Belt and Road Initiative project. During his trip, he met Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong to discuss CPEC’s second phase, business-to-business collaboration, and industrialisation strategies.
He also held talks with Lu Hao, president of China’s Development Research Centre and the Centre for International Knowledge on Development. Iqbal described Pakistan-China economic collaboration as essential to national growth and global competitiveness.
Pakistan Approves EV Subsidy Scheme
Separately, the Pakistani government has approved a Rs100 billion subsidy package for the rollout of 116,000 electric bikes and 3,170 electric rickshaws/loaders. The five-year plan aims to reduce oil import costs, cut emissions, and promote eco-friendly transport solutions. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to formally inaugurate the initiative on August 14.
Related stories:
Nishat Group’s NexGen Auto Partners China’s Chery EVs
Chinese Yutong Launches Electric Buses for Pakistan’s Climate
