Govt to provide free electric bikes to top students

Federal government will provide free electric bikes to top-performing students across all educational boards in Pakistan, including the Federal Board, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Friday. Chairing a high-level meeting on electric vehicle (EV) promotion, the prime minister said the initiative aims to reward academic excellence while supporting the government's broader push for cleaner, cost-effective transportation. The scheme will also prioritise economically disadvantaged individuals for the provision of electric rickshaws and loaders, helping to generate employment and reduce dependence on fuel imports. To ensure accessibility, the government is preparing a comprehensive action plan to introduce electric vehicles at affordable rates through subsidised loans. Over 100,000 electric bikes and 300,000 loaders will be distributed on easy terms, officials confirmed during the meeting. The prime minister directed that 25% of the total quota under the EV scheme be reserved for women, with provincial allocations based on population ratios. He further instructed that Balochistan’s share be increased to 10%. In addition to the student-focused initiative, the government is taking steps to establish a full ecosystem for the manufacturing and maintenance of EVs. Four new battery manufacturing companies are set to begin operations in Pakistan as part of this plan, which is expected to create new job opportunities and boost the local industry. To ensure transparency and accountability, PM Shehbaz ordered third-party validation of the distribution and support mechanisms. He also called for a public awareness campaign to inform citizens about the scheme and encourage uptake. Electric bikes, rickshaws, and loaders distributed under the initiative must meet safety and quality standards, the PM stressed. The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Ahad Khan Cheema and Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, Chief Coordinator Mosharraf Zaidi, and senior officials from relevant departments.

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