LAHORE:
The Punjab government has announced a plan to provide 26,000 electric motorbikes and rickshaws to citizens on interest-free loan.
A motorcycle rickshaw registration programme launched across the province was also inaugurated by Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi at a function organised by the transport department on Tuesday. He also announced the initiation of a motorcycle rickshaw body standards programme.
He presented the first licence for electric rickshaw manufacturing to the CEO of a company, marking the formal commencement of the industry in Punjab.
He announced plans to provide 10,000 electric bikes to students and 10,000 e-rickshaws under the scheme with the cooperation of the Bank of Punjab.
Another 2,000 electric three-wheeler bikes would be provided interest-free to differently-abled citizens.
Read: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2451076/promotion-of-electric-bikes-in-full-throttle
Emphasising environmental concerns, the caretaker Cm announced a ban on purchase by the government of petrol-powered motorcycles across Punjab.
He stressed the need for collective action to curb pollution in Lahore.
Drawing inspiration from China’s success with electric vehicles, he envisioned a positive impact on the environment within the next three years if the bikes gained widespread adoption.
Naqvi emphasised the high quality of electric rickshaws and their role in curbing pollution.
Civil secretariat employees, women and government staffers would also receive 2,000 electric bikes each.
The caretaker CM expressed hope for an all-electric vehicle landscape in Pakistan’s future.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by the transport department, such as implementing axle load restrictions and driving licence reforms.
Chinese Consul General Zhao Shiren and Unites States Consul General Kirstin K. Hawkins were also present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, inaugurating the desilting of the Lahore canal near Muslim Town Morr, the caretaker CM mentioned that complaints had been received about the mixing of drainage water into the watercourse at some points.
He said a committee comprising the WASA managing director and the deputy commissioner would probe into the matter.
He appealed to the citizens to avoid polluting the canal, stressing that the government alone could not do everything.
Talking to the media, he said the desilting campaign had been launched after a long gap.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 10th, 2024.
