The Punjab Government has introduced a major policy shift aimed at promoting environmentally friendly transportation by banning the purchase of new petrol and diesel vehicles for most government departments.
Under the new directive, provincial departments will now be allowed to procure only electric or hybrid vehicles for official use. However, vehicles required for field operations and essential duties have been exempted from this restriction to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
Electric Charging Units Made Mandatory for New Petrol Pumps
In a related move, the Punjab government has also linked the approval of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for new petrol pumps with the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging units.
According to the policy:
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No new petrol pump will be allowed to operate without an EV charging facility
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NOCs will be issued only after verification of charging unit installation
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The move is aimed at expanding EV infrastructure across urban and semi-urban areas
Officials say this step will help address range anxiety among EV users and accelerate the adoption of cleaner transport options.
Government Confirms Upcoming Electric Vehicle Policy
The Chief Secretary Punjab stated that promoting green energy remains a top priority for environmental protection. He confirmed that the province is working on a comprehensive electric vehicle policy, which will be announced soon.
The upcoming policy is expected to cover:
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Incentives for EV adoption
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Expansion of charging infrastructure
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Regulations for public and private sector transport
Petrol Pump Approvals Already Issued in Multiple Cities
Authorities revealed that 170 NOCs for new petrol pumps have already been issued across 31 cities through the e-Biz Portal, with the highest numbers recorded in:
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Faisalabad: 29
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Lahore: 14
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Bahawalpur: 10
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Khanewal: 9
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Bahawalnagar: 9
All newly approved petrol pumps will be required to comply with the mandatory EV charging rule.
Why This Policy Matters
The decision marks a significant step toward:
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Reducing fuel-based emissions
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Lowering government fuel costs in the long term
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Encouraging private EV adoption
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Building province-wide EV charging access
Punjab’s move aligns with global trends where governments are gradually shifting official transport fleets toward electric mobility.
