RESOURCES/FEATURED STORIES

Pakistan Accelerates Its Electric Mobility Shift—with Support from PPIAF and the World Bank

30 June 2025
Pakistan is gaining speed in its shift to cleaner transport. With strategic support from the World Bank, IFC, and the Public-Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility (PPIAF), the country is laying the foundation for a bold electric vehicle (EV) transition—one grounded in real-world pilots, policy reforms, and private sector interest.This shift was on full display at the Second National Symposium on Battery Electric Vehicles, held in May 2025 at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). The event convened senior policymakers, financiers, manufacturers, and development partners around a

Pakistan is gaining speed in its shift to cleaner transport. With strategic support from the World Bank, IFC, and the Public-Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility (PPIAF), the country is laying the foundation for a bold electric vehicle (EV) transition—one grounded in real-world pilots, policy reforms, and private sector interest.

This shift was on full display at the Second National Symposium on Battery Electric Vehicles, held in May 2025 at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). The event convened senior policymakers, financiers, manufacturers, and development partners around a single goal: building the systems, markets, and momentum needed to scale EV adoption nationwide.

 

Groundwork That’s Already Paying Off

PPIAF’s upstream collaboration with Pakistan’s national and provincial stakeholders helped spark several of the initiatives discussed at the symposium.

In Sindh, a detailed market study informed a new commercial financing pilot led by the Bank of Sindh. Launching in FY26, the pilot will target 20,000 e-bikes per year, with PKR 9 billion in initial funding from public and private sources. A core focus: expanding access for women, who are often excluded from financing tools in the two- and three-wheeler segment.

Karachi is moving fast as well. A 50-eBus pilot launched under a rent-to-own PPP model is already underway, and the city is preparing to procure 268 additional e-buses for the Yellow Line BRT system later this year—structured through a PPP with EY as transaction advisor.

This isn’t just about vehicles. A gender-informed charging infrastructure strategy is also in development, helping address access gaps and planning needs for future growth.

 

A Moment of Alignment

The 2nd EV Symposium served as more than just a technical exchange—it marked a pivot from concept to coordination.

The event featured three focused plenaries on Pakistan’s EV landscape, international case studies, and industry trends. An industry forum and product exhibition brought to life the country’s growing ecosystem of EV companies, battery innovators, and mobility platforms.

Participation was strong: over 180 attendees, including representatives from federal ministries, provincial transit agencies, manufacturers, and commercial banks. What stood out was the shared sense of direction—clear agreement that the next phase is about execution, not exploration.
 

“Compared to the first symposium, the progress is tangible. More than 50 EV licenses have been issued. Investor interest is rising. Provinces are moving from pilots to scale.”


Influencing Policy—and Investment

The reforms and pilots showcased at the symposium are already shaping large-scale programs. In Punjab, the newly approved Clean Air Program allocates:

  • 50% of funding to electric buses in Lahore

  • 20% to a dedicated 2-3 wheeler financing facility

In Sindh, government and bank leaders are scaling up their initial pilots—backed by the market insights and operational tools co-developed through PPIAF support.

At the national level, the World Bank is working closely with the Ministry of Industries on an updated EV policy, helping bring international benchmarks into Pakistan’s regulatory framework.

 

IFC’s Role: Unlocking Private Capital

The World Bank and IFC are advancing a joint agenda to attract private investment into Pakistan’s EV transition. Under the leadership of the Country Director, IFC is helping shape:

  • Charging infrastructure strategies

  • Battery safety standards

  • Market coordination platforms for industry and government

This alignment across institutions is helping ensure that upstream design translates into downstream investment.

 

A Clean Mobility Future—Within Reach

Pakistan’s electric mobility story is entering a new chapter—one defined by action, not ambition.

The groundwork laid through PPIAF’s technical support is now informing pilots, shaping policies, and helping build investor confidence. As governments commit funding and firms bring products to market, the country is well positioned to lead the EV shift in South Asia.