Lahore: The electric vehicle (EV) sector in Pakistan is at a pivotal moment, facing environmental challenges, increasing fuel costs, and a shift towards sustainable transport. To address these issues, the “2nd Electric Vehicle Conference” was held at Nishat Hotel in Lahore, emphasizing the need for efficient EV infrastructure and fostering collaborations to advance the nation’s EV agenda.
The event, organized by the Climate Action Centre Karachi in collaboration with PakEVO and sponsored by the Bank of Punjab, brought together participants from government, industry, academia, and finance. Dr. Aazir Khan, a key figure in Pakistan’s EV ecosystem, joined other experts, including Mr. Zulfiqar Younis from the Ministry of Climate Change, to discuss the evolving EV policies.
The conference aimed to develop multi-sector collaborations, focusing on policy, financial, and technological enablers essential for a sustainable EV future in Pakistan. Topics included manufacturing innovations and financial mechanisms to expand the EV ecosystem.
Mr. Umer Khan from the Bank of Punjab opened the conference with a keynote address, expressing optimism about investing in EV technologies and infrastructure. He emphasized the growing demand for eco-friendly transport solutions in Pakistan.
PakEVO co-organizers presented the Lahore Academic Alliance for Climate Action Air Quality Index Network project, a collaboration between the IECE and CSSPR, which monitors air quality in urban areas and promotes sustainable transport.
Dr. Aazir delivered a keynote address, launching PakEVO’s Free Membership Portal to engage the public and promote an EV community. Ms. Marria Khan presented an animated video to educate the public and encourage EV adoption.
Panel discussions focused on EV manufacturing, technology, and financial enablement, featuring industry leaders who discussed the potential of Pakistan as a regional EV manufacturing hub and the need for a multi-tiered financial ecosystem.
The conference concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Yasir Hussain of the Climate Action Center Karachi, highlighting the role of PakEVO as a platform for EV stakeholders and the commitment to ongoing dialogue and collaboration.
In a promising development, Mr. Abdul Rahim Butt, an international financial expert, visited the IECE Research Centre to explore further collaboration on research and financial strategies for Pakistan’s EV ecosystem. The conference underscored the commitment of key stakeholders to drive the country’s EV future towards a sustainable path.