Govt vows support for EV bike industry as Haroon Akhtar chairs key meeting on local production targets

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pakistan’s emerging electric vehicle (EV) industry, with Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan chairing a high-level meeting on Tuesday to review production targets, policy challenges, and incentive schemes for EV bike manufacturers.

The meeting brought together representatives from Pak Star Automobiles and leading EV bike producers to discuss strategies for accelerating local production and strengthening the supply chain.

Haroon Akhtar underlined that enhancing domestic manufacturing of EV bike components will not only bolster the national economy but also deliver long-term benefits to consumers. He said that under the second phase of the first-year plan, a mandatory local manufacturing ratio has been introduced to expand indigenous production capacity and reduce import dependency.

Reiterating Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision for sustainable industrial growth, the SAPM said the government is focused on facilitating local manufacturers through targeted incentives and policy support.

Industry representatives, however, voiced serious concern over the recent sales tax increase on EV bikes from 1% to 18%, urging the government to reconsider the move to sustain market growth.

Responding to their concerns, Haroon Akhtar assured participants that the government remains committed to resolving issues faced by vendors and assemblers, adding that incentive measures will be introduced to support the sector’s expansion and competitiveness.

Emphasizing the economic and environmental significance of electric mobility, he said that wider adoption of EV bikes would help reduce air pollution, cut petroleum import costs, and create new employment opportunities through localized production.

Haroon Akhtar highlighted that Pakistan’s EV Policy aims not only to accelerate industrial development but also to ensure environmental sustainability. He directed the Engineering Development Board (EDB) to engage with EV bike manufacturers and vendors to identify existing bottlenecks and propose practical, solution-driven recommendations for the industry’s continued growth.