Punjab Bans Petrol, Diesel Vehicles for Govt Use, Moves to EVs and Hybrids

The Punjab government has banned the purchase of petrol and diesel vehicles for all provincial departments, marking a major move toward cleaner and greener transport. From now on, only electric and hybrid vehicles will be allowed for official use, except for departments that need special vehicles for field operations.

The decision, announced in Lahore this week, is part of the government’s wider effort to reduce air pollution, control smog and cut fuel costs, officials said. According to Tribune, the move is also aimed at setting an example for the private sector by pushing the market toward cleaner technology.

Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman said the government wants to promote environmentally friendly transport and reduce the carbon footprint of official operations. He added that a detailed Electric Vehicle (EV) policy is in the works, which will lay out how departments will shift to electric and hybrid vehicles in the coming months.

Dawn reported that the policy is closely linked to Punjab’s long-running battle against smog, especially in major cities like Lahore and Faisalabad. Transport emissions remain a key contributor to poor air quality, and officials believe switching government fleets can make a visible difference.

EV Charging Now a Must for Petrol Pumps  

Alongside the vehicle ban, the government has tightened rules for fuel stations. New petrol pumps will only be approved if they also install EV charging stations, officials confirmed. According to Profit Pakistan Today, this condition has already been applied to 170 newly approved petrol pumps across 31 cities, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan and Bahawalpur.

Authorities say this step is meant to build EV infrastructure early, so electric vehicles can be used without range or charging concerns. By linking petrol pump approvals with charging facilities, the government hopes to speed up EV adoption beyond official fleets.

What This Means  

The ban signals a clear policy shift: Punjab wants to lead Pakistan’s transition to cleaner transport. Experts say when governments move first, it often encourages private buyers and businesses to follow.

Officials say formal notifications and implementation guidelines will be issued soon, covering procurement rules and timelines. For now, the message is clear, Punjab’s government transport is going electric, and the era of petrol and diesel vehicles in official use is slowly coming to an end.