Government EV Policy: Tackling Pollution and Oil Dependence

The government’s New Energy Vehicle (NEV) policy marks a critical step toward modernizing Pakistan’s automotive industry while addressing environmental and economic challenges. Critics may argue the policy favors international players, but a closer look reveals its potential to benefit all stakeholders, including local Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), consumers, and the nation at large.

The NEV policy is designed to encourage technological innovation across the board, offering equal opportunities to all OEMs. Rather than favoring specific companies, it prioritizes technologies that align with the government’s agenda of reducing the carbon footprint, improving air quality, and cutting reliance on fossil fuel imports. Pakistan’s air pollution crisis has reached critical levels. Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) recently hit an alarming 1,900, and Multan peaked at 2,000—well above the hazardous level of 300. According to UNICEF, over 11 million children under five are exposed to harmful air quality in Pu.