Today, the Punjab caretaker government achieved a significant milestone by awarding the very first e-rickshaw manufacturing license to Sazgar Engineering. Sazgar is a leading rickshaw manufacturer in Pakistan and also exports its products, making this a major advancement for both the company and the local auto industry. The government’s focus on electric vehicles in the province is aimed at addressing the issue of pollution and smog, particularly in Lahore, which has consistently ranked as one of the most polluted cities in the world.
e-Rickshaw License
During a ceremony in Lahore, caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi presented the license to Asad Hameed, the head of the company. Additionally, a previous policy requiring companies to pay a Rs. 2 million tax for introducing new variants of electric vehicles has been reduced to support manufacturers.
The government believes that the manufacturing and assembly of electric rickshaws in Pakistan will usher in a new era of public transport that is low maintenance and less harmful to the environment. However, the success of this initiative will depend on several factors, including consistent government policies, import duties on EV parts, market competition, and the establishment of infrastructure for the repair and charging of these electric three-wheelers.
While the previous government made significant announcements for the EV sector, such as lower taxes and import duties, the new auto policy heavily focused on electric vehicles. However, the main concern for countries like Pakistan is the infrastructure and policy consistency. The government will need to establish a network of charging stations in the province to ensure the smooth operation of these rickshaws, which is a considerable challenge for a country that regularly faces electricity shortages. Although the government has announced plans to set up charging stations at government-run parking stands, the success of this initiative will require substantial effort. We hope it will be a successful venture.
What are your thoughts on e-rickshaws operating in Punjab? Do you believe it will be successful in the long run? Please share your opinions in the comments section.
