Pakistan’s Sindh provincial government set to buy electric buses from China for Bus Rapid Transit system

Karachi: Pakistan’s Sindh provincial government is set to buy electric buses from China for the Bus Rapid Transit system.

Caretaker Chief Minister Maqbool Baqar expressed the Sindh provincial government’s intention to introduce electric buses on the Bus Rapid Transit system as a measure to alleviate pollution.

Pakistani authorities are currently seeking loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to buy these buses.

In a meeting with a delegation from the ADB led by F Cleo Kawawaki in Karachi on Friday afternoon, the CM disclosed that the government has compiled a feasibility report for the electric bus project, anticipating benefits for approximately 50,000 daily passengers.

Regarding the establishment of a recycling plant in Haroonabad, Karachi, the Chief Minister conveyed that the initiative aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions at an estimated cost of around 180 million dollars.

The ADB delegation pledged full cooperation to the provincial government for the successful implementation of these projects.

Last month, BYD, known as the world’s largest electric vehicles (EVs) manufacturer and a prominent Chinese auto conglomerate, conveyed its “keen interest” in investing in Pakistan’s EV sector.

This announcement followed a meeting between a delegation from BYD Company China, led by Cai Xiao Xu, Head of Dealer Division (South Asia), and Lei Jian, Country Head (Pakistan), with Sohail Rajput, Secretary at the Board of Investment (BoI).

As a Fortune 500 company globally recognized for its presence in key industries, including automobile, rail transit, new energy, and electronics, BYD is currently conducted an exploratory visit to Pakistan. The visit, facilitated by the BoI, involved crucial meetings with potential local partners.

BYD, also engages in the production of various vehicles, including battery electric and hybrid cars, buses, trucks, battery-powered bicycles, forklifts, solar panels, and rechargeable batteries.

Earlier, Dr Gohar Ejaz, Caretaker Federal Minister for Commerce and Industries, mentioned that BYD is contemplating investment opportunities in Pakistan.