PM launches BYD-powered police EV fleet in Islamabad, eyes foreign exchange savings

ISLAMABAD, Apr.7 (Gwadar Pro)- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on Monday, launched Islamabad Police’s first electric vehicle (EV) fleet, calling it a “timely and strategic move” to reduce fuel consumption and conserve foreign exchange reserves amid rising global oil prices.

The Islamabad Traffic Police inducted 15 EVs manufactured by Chinese automaker BYD, marking a shift toward fuel-free mobility in law enforcement.

“Islamabad Police have launched an electric vehicle (EV) system within Islamabad, consisting of a fleet of 15 vehicles. These vehicles will not only be highly helpful in improving policing but will also play an important role,” the prime minister said.

He added that reducing fuel use would help the economy. “I believe that by not using fuel, these electric vehicles will significantly contribute to saving Pakistan’s precious foreign exchange,” he said.

Sharif described the rollout as the first phase and urged nationwide adoption. “If we expand this initiative throughout the country, it will have a very positive impact on Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves,” he added.

Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, who briefed the prime minister, said the vehicles would be deployed across “main corridors, urban centers, and commercial hubs.”

“Our plan is for 55 vehicles. In the first phase, we have 15 vehicles, with 15 more on the way,” he said.

Rizvi noted that each vehicle can travel up to 400 kilometers on a single charge, with rapid charging completed in 90 minutes. Authorities have set up 15 docking stations to support operations.

“This is environment-friendly, zero-carbon,” he said, adding that the vehicles could recover their cost within 11 to 13 months. A test run recorded a 97.7% satisfaction rate.