Air Pollution is a silent serial killer in Pakistan”- Senator Sherry
Karachi, At the inaugural edition of the Pakistan Electric Vehicle Conference, themed “Accelerating the Transition to a Sustainable Future”, Chief Guest Senator Sherry Rehman delivered a compelling keynote address, underscoring the transformative role of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in tackling climate change, reducing air pollution, improving energy security, and driving economic growth.
“Today’s conversation is not merely about adopting new technology; it is about rethinking how we approach transportation, energy, and even the future of our cities. By shifting from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles, we can unlock unparalleled opportunities for sustainable development while contributing meaningfully to the global fight against climate change.”
Senator Rehman noted that the “Transportation sector accounted for 31% of Pakistan’s total carbon emissions, producing 52.9 million metric tons of CO2. If EVs are adopted, they can bring down effective tailpipe emissions by 65% according to the National Electric Vehicle Policy,” she added. “This makes them an essential piece of the puzzle in achieving climate goals under the Paris Agreement.”
Senator Rehman referenced global leaders like Norway, where 80% of new car sales in 2022 were electric due to forward-thinking policies, consumer incentives, and robust infrastructure. She also highlighted China’s leadership in EV adoption, producing millions of electric vehicles annually, demonstrating the economic and environmental benefits of this transition. “Pakistan must take inspiration from these examples to develop its own unique roadmap for sustainable mobility,” she urged.
Drawing attention to the alarming state of air pollution, Senator Rehman shared, “Pakistan is the second most polluted country globally in terms of air quality according to World Air Quality Report. Lahore, home to 14 million people, was engulfed in apocalyptic smog, with AQI readings often exceeding 1,000. This has reduced life expectancy by up to 4.6 years in major cities, while air pollution costs the country $47 billion annually—nearly 5.88% of our GDP.” She also shed light on the impact on public health, stating, “Smog affects 11 million children under five in Punjab, making them more vulnerable to life-threatening respiratory diseases. Air pollution is a serial killer and fifth season in Pakistan, responsible for 128,000 deaths annually in the country. It is imperative that we address this crisis with urgency.”
Senator Rehman emphasized that switching to electric vehicles, especially when integrated with renewable energy, could significantly reduce emissions and improve air quality. “EVs do not emit pollutants, which makes them a powerful tool for improving public health outcomes in densely populated urban centers,” she said. “With 43% of airborne emissions in Punjab attributed to the transport sector, adopting EVs is not just beneficial—it is imperative.”
Senator Rehman added further “Incentives for imports have to dovetail with incentives for local manufacturing of EVs as well as the building of a stable ecosystem for maintenance and sustainable, cost effective usage. The customer has to see this as an attractive choice which reduces petrol bills while also making transport easier and more efficient.”
Senator Rehman acknowledged Pakistan’s recent strides in this area, including the launch of its first electric bus service in Karachi and plans for 500 fully electric buses to modernize the city’s public transport network. “The Sindh government’s initiative is a crucial step forward, and partnerships like those between BYD and Mega Motor Company to set up an EV manufacturing plant in Karachi are laying the foundation for an electric mobility ecosystem in Pakistan,” she noted.
Outlining the NDCs and New Energy Vehicle Policy 2025, Senator Rehman shared, “Pakistan aims for 30% of all new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030, increasing to 90% by 2040, and achieving a 100% zero-emission fleet by 2060. This phased approach is essential to ensure we build the infrastructure, battery manufacturing plants, and charging networks needed to support large-scale EV adoption.”
However, she expressed disappointment over the slow progress in delivering climate finance to the Global South for mitigation and adaptation. “The $300 billion annually promised at COP29 is disappointing, to say the least,” she remarked. “Without a clear mechanism, whether through public, private, or blended finance, the struggle for equitable climate funding continues. Private finance often shies away when climate disasters strike, leaving countries like Pakistan to bear the brunt of these crises.”
Concluding her address, Senator Rehman called for urgent action: “The transition to electric vehicles is not just an environmental imperative but a national necessity. This is about reclaiming our future—a future where Pakistan is not only a resilient nation but a leader in sustainable development. Let us accelerate this transition and set an example for the region and the world.”
The conference brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss the roadmap for electric mobility in Pakistan.