LAHORE:
The Punjab government has launched financial incentives under the green credit program of the main minister for citizens to change gasoline to electric motorcycles.
Eligible people can win up to RS100,000 participating in the initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transport.
According to the head of the program, Rizwana Anjum, the scheme offers a green loan of up to RS100,000 for those who buy electric motorcycles and are registered on the web portal of the green credit program Punjab Punjab Portal.
She shared that the Government aims to convert 2,000 gasoline motorcycles and another 250 vehicles to electric alternatives during the current fiscal year. This change is expected to reduce carbon annual emissions in 8,000 tons. The widest objective is to reduce transport emissions by 20 percent by 2030, through the 30% transition of the transport fleet to electric vehicles.
The official revealed that the program includes 35 initiatives promoted by citizens through which they could contribute to reduce carbon emissions and obtain credits in return. Initiatives include daily practices that support environmental sustainability.
“Under the international climatic commitments of Pakistan, 30% of the transport sector must make the transition to electric vehicles by 2030,” he said. “To support this, citizens who still wear gasoline motorcycles are offered incentives to change electric bicycles and obtain rewards.”
When explaining the process, Rizwana Anjum said citizens who bought an electric bicycle after December 2024 can register on the portal.
They must send information, including the date of purchase of the bicycle, the company and the model, the registration number, the chassis number, a copy of the registration book and photographs of the vehicle. A program representative will visit the applicant for verification, after which the beneficiary will receive an initial payment of RS50,000.
You can obtain additional RS50,000 linking the electric bicycle with the mobile green credit application. The runners who complete 6,000 kilometers travel within six months after the record will be eligible for the second installment.
The officials of the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) clarified that the modernization of the old gasoline bicycles with electricity or electric batteries did not qualify for the program. Only citizens who buy a new electric motorcycle and record it through the program are eligible for financial incentive.
Central Asia Tour
A group of cyclists from 15 members has undertaken a tourist and cultural expedition to Central Asia to strengthen tourist ties between Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tayikistan and Uzbekistan.
The cyclists were seen by the Director Manager of Tourism Development of Punjab (TDCP), director Dr. Nasir Mehmood of the Gaddafi stadium.
The group leader, Mukarram Tareen, said the trip will cover 23 days and cover approximately 5,000 kilometers, crossing historical, cultural and natural milestones in Afghanistan, Tayikistan and Uzbekistan.
“Our route will take us from Islamabad to Kabul, Kandahar, Samarcanda, Bukhara and Tashkent. We plan to remain in these cities and interact with local communities. The main objective of this expedition is to promote peaceful relationships, regional friendship and cultural harmony,” Tareen said.
A group member, Nazar Saeed Khan, stressed that the land route to the republics of Central Asia has remained inactive for a long time. “Our goal is to connect to Cyclist clubs in Afghanistan, Tayikistan and Uzbekistan, and invite them to visit Pakistan. Such exchanges can boost tourism and provide opportunities to experience the cultures of others,” he added.
