Lahore: Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) has highlighted that Pakistan could save up to $2 billion by 2030 through the accelerated adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), reducing dependence on imported oil and enhancing environmental sustainability. This topic was central to a think tank session held at the PCJCCI Secretariat, where stakeholders discussed the growing importance of electric mobility in addressing Pakistan's economic and environmental challenges.
According to Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nazir Hussain, President of PCJCCI, stated that transitioning to EVs would lower the nation's oil import costs and help meet climate commitments. He noted that government efforts to establish favorable tariffs for EVs would encourage both consumers and investors to shift toward electric mobility.
Participants projected that wider adoption of EVs could cut carbon emissions by up to 1.54 metric tonnes, marking a significant step toward combating climate change. Hussain also emphasized the importance of technological cooperation with China under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor framework, particularly in EV manufacturing, battery technology, and charging infrastructure.
Brig. Mansoor Saeed Sheikh (Retd), Senior Vice President of PCJCCI, underscored the necessity of developing a nationwide network of EV charging stations to support the transition. He suggested that Pakistan State Oil could play a pivotal role by setting up solar-powered EV charging stations along highways and in major cities, promoting clean energy use. Comprehensive policy frameworks and private sector incentives were deemed crucial for a sustainable EV ecosystem.
Zafar Iqbal, Vice President of PCJCCI, highlighted Pakistan's ongoing environmental efforts, noting a 2018 greenhouse gas emission reduction of 8.5 percent below projections due to effective policies like the Environmental Protection Agency and the Clean Green Pakistan Movement. He stressed the need for climate-smart technologies in agriculture, the largest greenhouse gas contributor in Pakistan.
Salahuddin Hanif, Secretary General of PCJCCI, emphasized incentivizing the private sector to cut carbon emissions and recommended seeking international technical assistance for carbon trading mechanisms. The potential of solar energy in government offices to ease the power grid and promote renewables was also discussed.
Environmental challenges in Gilgit-Baltistan, such as deforestation from firewood use, were also addressed. PCJCCI concluded that with supportive policies, infrastructure development, and international cooperation, Pakistan can transition to electric mobility while enhancing economic resilience and environmental sustainability.
The post PCJCCI Advocates for $2 Billion Savings via Electric Vehicle Adoption appeared first on Pakistan Business News.