The Punjab government has decided to ban the purchase of petrol and diesel vehicles for provincial departments. The move aims to promote cleaner transport and reduce environmental impact.
Under the new policy, government departments may purchase only electric or hybrid vehicles. The restriction does not apply to vehicles used for essential field duties.
The provincial administration is also preparing to announce a comprehensive Electric Vehicle policy. Officials say the policy will support the adoption of green energy and encourage sustainable mobility across Punjab.
In another major step, the government has linked No Objection Certificates for new petrol pumps to the installation of EV charging units. Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Chief Secretary, Punjab, said no new petrol pump will operate without charging facilities.
Through the e-Biz portal, authorities have issued NOCs for 170 new petrol pumps in 31 cities. Each approved site must install electric vehicle charging units.
Faisalabad will see 29 new pumps with charging facilities, while Lahore has 14. Bahawalpur has 10 approved sites. Khanewal and Bahawalnagar each have nine.
Rawalpindi and Jhang will each add eight pumps with chargers. Toba Tek Singh, Mianwali, Kasur, and Chiniot will each have seven new stations, all required to comply with the EV condition.
The Punjab government reiterated that green energy and sustainable transport remain central to its development agenda. The latest measures aim to cut emissions, modernise infrastructure, and support the shift to electric mobility.
