Sherry Rehman Stresses the Importance of Revolutionary Policies and Public Involvement to Combat Climate Change at EV Conference

KarachiضChairperson of the Standing Committee on Environmental Change, Senator **Sherry Rehman**, emphasized the need for **revolutionary policies** and **civil society participation** to effectively tackle the challenges of **climate change** while addressing the **Pakistan Electric Vehicle (EV) Conference**.

In her speech, she highlighted that **success in environmental measures** can only be achieved when **social awareness** and **partnerships** are promoted. Senator Sherry Rehman stated, “Environmental success is only possible if we work together, fostering awareness and collaboration across all sectors.”

The **EV Conference**, with the theme **”Fast-Tracking the Transition to a Sustainable Future,”** was organized by the **Climate Action Center** in Karachi. The conference brought together representatives from **the government, industry, educational institutions**, and **financial sectors**.

Senator Rehman stressed the importance of making **electric vehicles (EVs)** not only **beneficial** but also **accessible** to the masses. She said, “If we manage to overcome the high costs and bring about the **EV revolution**, Pakistan could serve as a **role model** for many other countries.” She further emphasized that without **incentives**, neither the industry could develop, nor would consumers be willing to make the transition to EVs. “No policy can succeed without incentives,” she remarked, adding that people would only accept change when it **directly benefits them**.

She noted that **green economies** are rapidly growing and that the future belongs to such economies. However, she stressed that **accessibility** to these economies is crucial. She also underscored the need for **policies tailored** to Pakistan’s **unique challenges**, pointing out that **smart slogans** alone are not enough. “We need **realistic**, **fast-paced policies**,” she added.

At the end of the conference, participants collectively called for **immediate action** to address the environmental crisis, particularly through **phasing out fossil fuels** from the transport sector.

The conference also provided an in-depth discussion on various aspects of the **EV industry**, particularly focusing on the **draft of the New Energy Vehicle Policy 2025**. Experts pointed out the **gaps in the draft** and proposed suggestions for its improvement.

A key discussion at the event centered around the **need for an industry association or union** to consolidate efforts in the EV sector. The conference was held in two phases, with the second phase scheduled for **February 2025** in Lahore.

During the various **panel discussions**, experts also discussed critical topics including **financial resources**, **local manufacturing**, and **opportunities for innovation** in the industry.

One of the central messages was the need to make **EV products** affordable and **accessible** to the general public, in order to accelerate the transition towards **sustainable transportation**.

This conference marks a significant step towards **accelerating EV adoption** in Pakistan, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.