ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday, hinting at the recent regional situation and soaring global oil prices, highlighted the need to introduce eco-friendly electric vehicles (EVs) across the country, thereby saving the country’s precious foreign exchange reserves.
Addressing a ceremony to supply eco-smart electric vehicles to the traffic police in the capital Islamabad, the Prime Minister said such precedents in energy saving initiatives should be emulated by all law enforcement agencies and provinces.
He observed that a total of 15 electric vehicles have been provided by the Ministry of Interior, running on batteries without using gasoline or oil, while another batch of vehicles would be introduced soon.
Terming the move as important, the Prime Minister said such measures would have a positive impact 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 would be available on key avenues of the capital to ensure smooth movement of vehicles, it was said.
Each vehicle after a full charge could travel a distance of 350 km to 400 km. A fast charge requires 60 to 90 minutes while regular charge times range from 6 to 8 hours.
Railway projects
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday asked the Minister of Railways to ensure timely completion of ongoing railway projects and utilize all available resources to provide better, safer and affordable travel facilities to the public.
The Prime Minister, in a meeting with Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, said that in the current economic conditions, the government was avoiding putting additional burden on the masses and was also focusing on improving the railway system to increase its revenue.
During the meeting, the overall performance of Pakistan Railways, ongoing reforms and future plans were discussed.
Briefing the Prime Minister about the operational matters of Pakistan Railways, the Railway Minister said that keeping in view the public convenience in the current Gulf context, trainless train fares have been increased across the country.
Prime Minister Shehbaz ordered to accelerate reform measures aimed at transforming Pakistan Railways into a modern, safe and reliable transportation system.
