The Punjab government has approved a major proposal to provide 50,000 electric bikes and 5,000 electric taxis on an interest-free basis in the upcoming provincial budget — a significant initiative aimed at supporting students and unemployed youth while also promoting cleaner and more environmentally friendly transportation across the province.
The proposal has been cleared for inclusion in the next fiscal year’s budget and is designed to improve access to affordable transport for young people while simultaneously creating new employment opportunities at scale.
Under the initiative, eligible beneficiaries will receive electric vehicles through easy installment plans with zero interest — making it possible for young people to own and operate a vehicle without the burden of high financing costs. Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan confirmed that the government is also considering additional incentives for participants, including assistance with vehicle registration costs to reduce the overall financial burden on beneficiaries.
The minister said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to empowering young people and actively increasing their participation in economic activities. He added that the e-bike and e-taxi schemes will help thousands of young Pakistanis secure better and more sustainable employment opportunities while contributing to the reduction of environmental pollution across Punjab through the adoption of electric mobility.
The announcement comes as the provincial government carries out a broader review of its public transport policies ahead of the new budget. Authorities are also simultaneously evaluating the future of Punjab’s existing free public transport programme.
A briefing presented to the Chief Minister suggested that the continuation of the free transport service could be tied to fuel prices — with a proposal suggesting that the facility may be withdrawn if petrol prices fall to Rs. 300 per litre.
