
PM for early finalisation of ‘EVs Policy 2025'
LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Saturday asked the authorities concerned for early finalization of the 'Electric Vehicles Policy 2025' in consultation with all stakeholders. He passed these directions while chairing a meeting, here on Saturday, to review the policy framework for the promotion of the electric vehicles industry in the country.
During the meeting, the draft of the Electric Vehicles Policy 2025 was discussed in detail. Emphasized the need for swift and priority-based measures to promote electric motorcycles, scooters, three-wheelers, cars, and buses across Pakistan, the premier underscored the importance of setting up charging infrastructure, including charging stations and battery swapping facilities, to support the expansion of the EV ecosystem. He also called for facilitating enhancement of the local manufacturing capacity of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers.
Sindh govt allocates budget for EV taxis, scooters in FY26
The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Rana Tanveer Hussain, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Special Assistant to PM Haroon Akhtar Khan and concerned senior government officials.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Business Recorder
16 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Punjab PA Speaker distributes cheques among sanitation workers
LAHORE: Punjab Assembly Speaker, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan distributed award cheques among hardworking sanitation workers in Kasur under the 'Suthra Punjab Programme' initiated by the Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, in recognition of their excellent cleanliness arrangements during Eid-ul-Azha. On this occasion, the Speaker not only distributed the award cheques on behalf of the Punjab government but also announced an equal amount of personal reward for each worker — a gesture that was warmly appreciated by the attendees. Addressing the workers, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan paid tribute to the leadership of the Government of Punjab and stated that the vision of public service envisioned by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is now being implemented in letter and spirit. The successful execution of the 'Suthra Punjab' initiative is a prime example of this. The Speaker commended the efforts of the Suthra Punjab workers, stating that hardworking individuals are the backbone of a province's progress and development. 'Loyal and dedicated individuals like you are our pride,' he said. 'The true beauty of our society lies in the hands that serve silently and selflessly.' Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan especially acknowledged the commitment, discipline, and sense of duty demonstrated by these workers during the Eid holidays. 'Their performance is truly commendable,' he said. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Express Tribune
16 hours ago
- Express Tribune
PM unveils app for self meter reading
The minister invited international partners to invest in the nationwide rollout of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), estimating a $3 billion need to serve over 30 million consumers. PHOTO: File Listen to article `Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday officially launched the "Apna Meter, Apna Reading" smart mobile application, a new initiative designed to enhance transparency in electricity billing. The app enables consumers to record their own meter readings and submit them directly to their respective power distribution companies. "We implemented reforms in the power sector, but we have a long way to go. We brought merit-based appointments to the boards of Discos, and took strong action against the corrupt mafia," he said. The premier made these remarks at a ceremony to launch the "Apna Meter, Apna Reading" app. The initiative seeks to gradually eliminate the role of meter readers in power distribution companies (Discos) nationwide, addressing widespread dissatisfaction among consumers. Under the current pro rata system, many consumers are shifted out of the 'protected category' or moved into higher billing slabs, resulting in increased electricity charges. The prime minister maintained that the initiative is a revolutionary step undertaken by the government as part of power sector reforms over the past year. He noted that the energy minister made stringent efforts and held tough negotiations with independent power producers (IPP) that eventually led to reduction in electricity prices by Rs7.5 per unit. "We settled circular debt after negotiations with banks. When global oil prices were falling, we took advantage and reduced electricity prices," he said, adding that despite concerns, the government made the tough decision to rebase prices and not pass the burden to consumers. The premier announced that the Pakistan Television (PTV) fee will be abolished from electricity bills. Consumers are currently charged Rs35 monthly PTV fee through electricity bills. He noted that the biggest challenge is power theft worth Rs500bn annually, and efforts are being made to curb the menace. He emphasized that the government will not discourage solar power as it is the cheapest form of electricity. "Pakistan is one of the countries with the largest growth in solar energy production," he said. The prime minister observed that the main beneficiary of this app will be the power consumers. "It is a revolutionary technology, it will benefit every consumer in every home," adding that the power division should raise awareness among consumers to use the app, which has been introduced in five languages. Federal Energy Minister Awais Ahmed Leghari also spoke on the occasion and said the initiative aims to give the responsibility of the meter reader to the consumers. He pointed out that power consumers under the 'protected category' consuming less than 100 units received higher bills due to delayed or flawed meter reading. He said the government returned Rs10bn in overbilled amounts last year and efforts are being made to ensure transparency in the billing process. In a statement earlier, the Power Division said the new feature allows electricity consumers to take a picture of their electricity meter on a specified date and upload it to the app, based on which their monthly bill will be issued. The aim of this system is to provide an effective solution to long-standing problems such as overbilling, reading errors and delay in reading. "This is not just a technology feature but a concrete reform in governance, which truly empowers consumers. With this system, consumers will not only be able to keep track of their bills, but now they will also be the guardians of the reading process," it added. If the user provides the reading on the due date, the meter reading taken after that day will not be given priority, and only the reading provided by the user will be fed.


Business Recorder
17 hours ago
- Business Recorder
KPC holds workshop on trading markets
KARACHI: A one-day workshop titled 'Understanding the World's Largest Trading Market: A Guide for Journalists' was organised under the Skills Development Committee of the Karachi Press Club, aimed at to educate journalists about forex, cryptocurrency, and global financial trends. The keynote speaker was economic analyst and financial trading expert Talha Bin Javed, who provided detailed insights into the structure of global financial markets, the impact of news on currency valuations, and the practical use of trading platforms. Talha Bin Javed emphasized that journalists should not limit themselves to merely reporting news but should also acquire financial knowledge to provide the public with better information and explore new income streams for themselves. He dismissed the notion that stock or forex trading is merely gambling, stressing that with education and research, one can safely enter this field. He said that there are limited and reliable platforms for the forex trading, of which people generally not investing. The government can earn more foreign exchange by regulating the forex and cryptocurrency, he added. He appreciated the government's efforts for announcement of cryptocurrency council to regulate the digital currency trading in the country. This move will bring foreign exchange in the country, he hoped. During the workshop, journalists were informed about how major global or local news directly influences market trends and why the media must exercise responsibility when reporting on such matters. At the conclusion of the workshop, Karachi Press Club Secretary Sohail Afzal Khan and Secretary Skill Development Committee Manzar Turk presented Ajrak and a commemorative shield to Talha Bin Javed, while certificates were distributed among the participants. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025