LAHORE: Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday announced distribution of 26,000 electric motorbikes and rickshaws to the public on interest-free basis.
Caretaker CM Mohsin Naqvi announced at a special ceremony organized by the Punjab Transport Department wherein the chief minister also inaugurated the Qingqi Rickshaw Registration Program across Punjab.
The ceremony saw the presence of Consul General of China Mr. Zhao Shiren, Consul General of America Ms. Kirstin K. Hawkins, Provincial ministers – SM Tanveer, Mansoor Qadir, Amir Mir, Ibrahim Hasan Murad, Bilal Afzal, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Bank of Punjab Chairman Zafar Masood, Secretary Transport, CCPO, Commissioner Lahore, and senior officials from various companies.
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بلا سود الیکٹرک موٹر بائیکس #ElectricBikes اور #Rickshaws دینے کا اعلان pic.twitter.com/6LimVzz2Pb— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) January 9, 2024
On the occasion, the CM gave away the first license for electric rickshaw manufacturing to the CEO of Sazgar Company, marking the formal commencement of the electric rickshaw industry in Punjab. He disclosed plans to provide 10,000 electric bikes to students in collaboration with the Bank of Punjab Notably, 2,000 electric three-wheeler bikes would be granted to special individuals free of interest.
Emphasising environmental concerns, Mohsin Naqvi declared a ban on government-level purchases of petrol-powered motorcycles across Punjab. He also announced the initiation of the Qingqi Rickshaw Body Standers Program, highlighting the relentless efforts of the transport department in registering Qingqi rickshaws – a task previously deemed impossible.
He commended Punjab Bank for its support in the Interest-Free Electric Bikes and Electric Rickshaw Programme, particularly applauding the decision to provide interest free electric bikes to students. Drawing inspiration from China’s success with electric vehicles, he envisioned a positive impact on the environment within the next three years if electric bikes gain widespread adoption.
The chief minister emphasized the high quality of electric rickshaws and their role in combating pollution. Plans include providing 10,000 electric rickshaws free of interest and allocating 2,000 three-wheeler bikes to special individuals. Civil secretariat employees, government and private sector women, and government employees would also receive 2,000 electric bikes each, all on a free-of-interest basis.
