The federal government has announced the provision of free electric bikes (e-bikes) for students across Pakistan.
During a meeting on the electric vehicle (EV) policy, chaired by Federal Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, it was decided to award free e-bikes to 120 top-performing students of the federal board nationwide.
The minister also announced plans to distribute 39,000 e-bikes and 1,900 electric rickshaws on concessional loans. He emphasized that an electric vehicle policy would be introduced soon.
Additionally, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has been directed to install electric charging stations at all petrol pumps in Islamabad. Progress on setting up 40 charging stations along motorways and national highways was also reviewed during the meeting.
To ensure transparency, Rana Tanveer Hussain stressed the importance of digitalizing the allocation process, envisioning Islamabad as a model city under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's vision.
Meanwhile, the Punjab government has expanded its Chief Minister Youth Initiative to increase the allocation of e-bikes from 20,000 to 27,200.
According to the Punjab Transport Department, orphaned students will receive free bikes under the directive of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, while all female applicants will be provided with electric bikes.
The Bank of Punjab has already approved loans for 20,000 students for bike purchases. To date, 7,500 bikes have been distributed, with more deliveries ongoing.
The transport department confirmed that over 5,000 petrol bikes and 2,000 electric bikes have been delivered to students, with an additional 6,500 electric bikes to be distributed in the coming days.
