The ongoing “Breathe Pakistan” conference at Lahore’s Expo Centre has brought together policymakers, business leaders, and climate experts to discuss solutions for the country’s worsening air pollution crisis. Among the key topics of discussion is the urgent need to promote electric vehicles as a sustainable way to reduce emissions in major cities.
Ali Zaidi, General Manager of Marketing and Brands at Nexgen Autos’ Omoda & Jaecoo, said that making electric vehicles more consumer-friendly is essential. He highlighted that vehicles contribute 33% of emissions in Karachi and 35% in Lahore. “The question is not whether EVs will become viable in five years — it’s that we must make them viable,” he stated. Zaidi added that any shift toward clean technology must also make business sense to remain sustainable in the long term.
Speakers at the event emphasized that transportation is one of the largest contributors to poor air quality in Pakistan. The introduction of electric vehicles, alongside policies for green financing and industrial responsibility, could play a major role in reducing harmful emissions.
Pakistan State Oil (PSO) Chairman Asif Baigmohamed also spoke about the company’s efforts to adopt sustainable energy solutions. He said PSO was partnering with top global firms to develop advanced battery technologies, including lithium-ion and solid-state batteries. These innovations, he explained, could reduce transport costs by 40% and cut oil imports by a similar percentage over the next decade.
Other sessions at the conference focused on topics such as climate financing, smog control, and clean air governance. Punjab’s Environment Department shared updates on its expanding air quality monitoring network, while federal and provincial leaders called for greater collaboration between government, industry, and civil society.
The conference, part of DawnMedia’s “Breathe Pakistan” initiative, aims to build momentum for clean air policies nationwide. Experts agreed that adopting electric vehicles and other green technologies will be key to ensuring a healthier, cleaner future for Pakistan’s urban population.
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