China's anti-pollution measures in Pakistan amid rising smog challenges, according to a report carried by Gwadar Pro on Monday. Pakistan is not alone in combating pollution and smog. China, time-tested friend, has joined Pakistan in embattling worst air pollution, smog and hazardous gases through zero-emission strategies featuring influx of New Electric Vehicles (NEVs), E-scooters, electric buses, anti-smog guns and orange train. It is unfortunate that over the last few years, Pakistan has been victim of awful air pollution and smog.

Among worst hit urban cities, Lahore has ranked as the world’s most polluted city for the past three days, with air quality plummeting to hazardous levels as smog blanketed the city and the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting 412. Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary outdoor activity, particularly in the morning and evening, and to wear masks when outside. PM2.5 concentrations in Lahore’s air are multiple times above global safety thresholds, raising risks of respiratory and cardiovascular illness among other serious health issues, especially for children and the elderly.

Under insufferable air pollution level, pouring of Chinese New Electric Vehicle on Pakistan’s roads is breath in fresh air as they produce zero pollution in comparison to petrol-driven and diesel-run four wheelers plying in the length and breadth of Pakistan. In just few years or so, Pakistan has seen a surge of Chinese EVs. Popular Chinese brands like BAIC, Changan Automobile, JAC Motors, Great Wall Motors (GWM), MG, FAW, and Chery that are gaining traction, with some entering joint ventures to manufacture locally.

China’s BYD, top brand of Chinese car-maker and Pakistan’s Mega Motor Company (MMC) have begun delivering New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, rolling out 100 units BYD Pakistan has also announced showroom locations, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable mobility. With the launch of the SEAL and ATTO 3 models, both companies reaffirm confidence in Pakistan’s automobile market and plan to establish up to 15 centers nationwide by the end of 2025.

In a fight against smog and air pollution, the arrival of a Chinese E-Scooter brand like Horwin, Yadea, Evee has created a positive ripple reflecting a shift of consumer preferences toward electric mobility. By offering a mix of affordability, style, and advanced features, Chinese E-motorbikes have captured the interest of eco-conscious riders and tech-savvy urban professionals. The Chinese e-scooters offer zero emissions while saving money, and reducing carbon footprint. With long battery life, fast charging, and smart technology features like Bluetooth and app integration.

These scooters are low maintenance and cost-efficient. Another Chinse brand QJMOTOR launches a new era of eco-friendly mobility in Pakistan as Chawla Green Motors officially steps into the electric vehicle (EV) segment with the debut of five innovative electric scooter models. Chinese anti-pollution strategic is a push aligns with Pakistan’s newly introduced National Electric Vehicle Policy 2025–2030, which sets ambitious goals: 30% of all new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030, and complete transition to net-zero transport emissions by 2060. Pollution-laden public transport is also one of upsetting cause of carbonization.

But it is promising situation that, China is introducing 1100 electric buses in various parts of country. Recently As many as 45 Chinese electric buses poured into Rawalpindi. Around 21 electric buses arrived in Quetta. around 200 Chinese electric buses are already plying in nine districts of Punjab. The government in Pakistan’s southern Sindh province is aiming to establish electric bus manufacturing plants in the region through Chinese assistance. China has already come forward to neutralize pollution through rail project.

Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT) Lahore is Pakistan's first urban railway system as well as the first implemented large-scale public infrastructure project of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor under “Belt & Road Initiative”. The operation of the orange line has helped reduced the use of old cars within the city, reduced emission of gases, improved environmental pollution, and promoted the green and sustainable development of the city. Orange Line Metro is driven by all electric energy to achieve zero pollution and zero emission. It is estimated that the annual fuel emission of gases will be reduced by 30,000 tons.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China