Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nafees
Pakistan’s journey towards environmental sustainability has been a long and deliberate one, marked by significant milestones in policy and legislation. From the Environmental Protection Ordinance of 1983 to the Climate Change Policy of 2012, updated in 2021, the country has demonstrated a growing commitment to mitigating the impacts of climate change and protecting its natural resources. The latest addition to this trajectory is the Pakistan Electric Vehicle Policy, 2019, a landmark initiative aimed at revolutionizing the country’s transportation sector and reducing its carbon footprint. As Pakistan grapples with the pressing issues of climate change, air pollution, and smog, this policy represents a crucial step towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
From the very beginning, Pakistan has developed a dual strategy, preventive and curative, to protect the environment from pollution as well as to repair the already affected segments of the environment. However, the anticipated success was not attained in either situation. Legislative development has accelerated significantly after 2000. In this regards, large-scale measures have begun to take place, especially after the floods, heatwaves and droughts of 2010 to 2023. Large scale efforts have started in this direction, particularly in the wake of the droughts and heatwaves in 2022 and 2023, as well as the floods of 2010 and 2022. It consists of the Climate Change Policy and the Action Plan for Adaptation and Mitigation of Impacts Associated with Climate Change. Pakistan established a policy for electric vehicles in 2019, demonstrating its commitment to addressing environmental pollution. According to this policy, by 2040, half of Pakistan’s automobiles will run on electricity. While this statement appears ambitious, it is not unattainable. We can use Europe and Norway as examples. In Norway, all cars will be powered by electricity by 2025, and by 2040, all cars in Europe will be driven by electricity. In Pakistan, where energy is becoming a growing issue, this appears to be challenging.
At present, Pakistan spends 13 billion US dollars on the import of petrol with a regular annual increase. On the one hand, it is believed that we can spend this huge amount on in-house electricity generation, on the other hand, we will greatly reduce diseases and related costs by reducing air pollution. Such arrangement and management will enable us to gain the strength to deal with the negative effects of climate change.
In large cities, a Direct Current (DC) charging unit will be placed every three square kilometers. On the motorway, DC charging stations will be spaced ten to fifteen kilometers apart. In the initial phase, charging stations will be placed on the Islamabad and Lahore motorways as a test. All other motorways will then be covered as well. In a similar manner, current CNG and fuel stations will also have charging devices installed. Where possible, WAPD’s help will be taken, so that proper arrangements will be made for proper availability of electricity.
Appropriate incentives, such as a 50% toll tax reduction, zero sales tax, and a decrease in customs fee, will also be provided to encourage the purchase of an electric vehicle. A new kind of business, including a battery service shop, charger, and other electric gadgets, will be supported since the introduction of electric automobiles. So that more and more people come into this business.
A 23-member committee will oversee the promotion of electric vehicles. The Ministry of Industries and Production will serve as its chair, and the Ministry of Climate Change will oversee it. The Federal Board of Revenue, the Higher Education Commission, representatives from the Pakistan Engineering Council, provincial governments, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, five members from the transportation and electrical vehicle industries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Communications, the Ministry of Energy (Power Division), the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division), the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Finance are among the other members. Two academic members will be present. Since every shareholder have been included in the decision-making process, the committee appears balanced, but it is also overburdened.
The government will oversee the electric vehicle industry, which will primarily rely on private partnerships. In order for this plan to succeed, appropriate and reasonably priced electrical sources must be searched out. It may prove to be a positive move in the direction of sustainable development if the charging devices are powered by solar energy. According to official statistics there were 2000 electric cars in 2021 and one manufacturing company has granted license for manufacturing of electric car so far.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s environmental, climate change and energy crisis are a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach. The country’s reliance on imported petrol, which costs a staggering $13 billion annually, is unsustainable. The persistent electricity shortage, load shedding, and supply issues have taken a toll on the economy and the daily lives of citizens. However, with the government’s focus on solarization, heavy investment, and private partnerships, there is hope for a brighter future. By harnessing renewable energy sources and promoting public-private collaborations, Pakistan can reduce its dependence on imported fuel, mitigate the impact of climate change, and provide reliable energy access to its growing population.
The Author is Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Peshawar
