Sindh govt decides to gradually shift official vehicles to electric

KARACHI: The Sindh government has decided to gradually transition vehicles used by government departments to electric vehicles (EVs) as part of its efforts to reduce public expenditure, save fuel and promote environmentally friendly transportation.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Austerity, chaired by Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon in Karachi on Friday.

Speaking at the meeting, Sharjeel Memon said the conservation of public resources remained among the provincial government’s top priorities. He added that measures were being introduced to reduce government expenditure while ensuring environmental protection.

He said the Sindh government wanted electric vehicles to become the preferred choice in the future, with the entire government transport system gradually shifting towards environmentally friendly technology.

According to the decision, electric vehicles will be given preference when purchasing new vehicles for government departments. The meeting also approved the purchase of new vehicles for the Home Department, Anti-Corruption Establishment, and Universities and Boards Department.

Sharjeel Memon said promoting electric vehicles across government departments would help reduce expenditure and ease the financial burden of fuel costs on the provincial exchequer.

“The future belongs to electric vehicles, and the government wants public institutions to reduce their dependence on fuel,” he said, adding that the phased transition would also lower the day-to-day operational expenses of government departments.

Sindh Minister for Local Government Nasir Hussain Shah said emissions from conventional vehicles were adversely affecting the urban environment and air quality.

He added that efforts were also underway to promote electric vehicles in local government institutions as an alternative to conventional fuel-powered vehicles.