ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, alluding to the recent regional situation and skyrocketing global oil prices, underlined the need to introduce environment-friendly electric vehicles (EVs) across the country, thereby saving the country’s precious foreign exchange reserves.
Addressing a ceremony of supplying eco-smart electric vehicles to the Traffic Police in the capital Islamabad, the prime minister said all law enforcement agencies and provinces should emulate similar precedents of energy-saving initiatives.
He noted that the Ministry of Home Affairs provided a total of 15 electric vehicles that run on batteries without using gasoline or oil, while another batch of vehicles will be added soon.
Terming the initiative as significant, the prime minister said similar measures would have positive impacts on the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
On the occasion, he also congratulated Home Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi and his team for taking this initiative.
These vehicles will be available on key avenues in the capital to ensure smooth traffic flow, it was said.
Each vehicle, after a full charge, could cover a distance of 350 to 400 km. Fast charging requires 60 to 90 minutes, while normal charging times range from 6 to 8 hours.
Railway projects
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed the Railway Minister to ensure timely completion of ongoing railway projects and utilize all available resources to provide better, safer and affordable travel services to the public.
The Prime Minister, in a meeting with Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi here, said that in the prevailing economic conditions, the government is avoiding imposing additional burdens on the masses and is also focusing on improving the railway system to increase its revenue.
During the meeting, the overall performance of Pakistan Railways, ongoing reforms and future projects were discussed.
Briefing the Prime Minister on the operational matters of Pakistan Railways, the Railways Minister said that keeping in mind public convenience amid the current Gulf situation, fares for no trains have been increased across the country.
Prime Minister Shehbaz ordered to accelerate reform measures to transform Pakistan Railways into a modern, safe and reliable transportation system.
