ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam on Monday said the electronic taxi service for the northern regions of the country is a revolutionary step towards eco-friendly connectivity in line with Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision.
Addressing the launch ceremony of the first electric vehicle services being offered in the form of taxis in the hilly areas of the northern regions through a joint venture between Sapphire Group and Faisal Movers, he said: “I would like to thank Sapphire Group and Faisal Movers. I congratulate them for their joint initiative. , because they are embracing the future in the fields of advanced mobility and sustainable development.”
The aim of the joint venture was to reduce the country’s carbon footprint which was a global collective objective along with the implementation of a robust de-carbonization action plan, which will help preserve the natural environment of the northern regions – Gilgit Baltistan in particular. (GB).
“E-taxi is a huge service for GB that faces the heavy effects of temperature rise, leading to ice caps and glacial lake flooding,” he said.
Amin said that the transformation of automobiles entering the picturesque tourist areas of GB would revolutionize the valley through eco-friendly transport.
“We have a responsibility to protect its environment as emissions from fuel-based vehicles are harmful to the local environment and ecology. GB is generating a major part of our tourism, so we cannot pollute it,” he said.
Pointing to the initial routes of the EV taxi, he said they would start from Islamabad to Muri and Nathiyagali, while its powerful engine and battery capacity could also allow the vehicle to ply in mountainous areas.
“Charging infrastructure is a big issue after the launch of EVs, while our government is giving incentives to the charging stations to be set up across the country,” he said.
“Climate change is a huge issue for Pakistan. The country has taken various initiatives in the field of forestry and energy. We are going to clean up our energy mix by shifting to 60% renewable,” he announced.
.