pk-china-user By Shafqat Ali
Technological cooperation between Pakistan and China is increasingly expanding beyond traditional sectors such as energy and infrastructure into the area of sustainable urban development. Authorities in Islamabad have begun discussions with Chinese investors on establishing electric vehicle (EV) charging networks and introducing advanced construction technologies aimed at transforming the federal capital into a model green city.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) held a high-level meeting on Tuesday afternoon with a delegation of Chinese investors to explore possible collaboration in electric mobility infrastructure, innovative housing solutions, and environmentally sustainable urban technologies. The discussions reflect Pakistan’s growing interest in benefiting from China’s expertise in green development.
A key focus of the meeting was the development of a comprehensive EV charging network across Islamabad to support the city’s transition to cleaner transportation. Officials highlighted newly introduced regulatory policies designed to encourage private sector investment while ensuring the long-term sustainability of EV infrastructure.
Chairman CDA, Mohsin Naqvi Randhawa, noted that Islamabad presents significant investment opportunities for Chinese companies involved in EV infrastructure development. He added that the CDA has already introduced regulatory guidelines and enforcement systems to support the installation and operation of EV charging facilities. This initiative is in line with Pakistan’s broader climate commitments and reflects the increasing global adoption of Chinese clean mobility technologies.
Dr. Khalid Hafiz informed the participants that updated building regulations now require commercial projects to allocate at least three percent of their space for EV charging stations, incorporating electric mobility into urban planning standards. Furthermore, EV charging facilities will gradually become mandatory at almost all 138 fuel stations in the capital. Existing stations will be required to install at least one charging point, while new stations must establish two.
Officials also presented plans to set up dedicated EV charging hubs at strategic locations across Islamabad in order to address range anxiety and encourage greater public adoption of electric vehicles.
The Chinese delegation expressed strong interest in Pakistan’s emerging EV sector and introduced technological solutions related to charging systems and smart infrastructure integration. Discussions highlighted possible cooperation models that would combine investment with technology transfer and the development of local technical capacity.
In addition to mobility infrastructure, the talks also covered innovative housing technologies, particularly 3D printing methods for construction. These technologies promise faster, more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly housing development. Chinese representatives shared examples of global applications, noting that such methods can significantly reduce construction waste, lower project costs, and shorten completion timelines.
Chairman Randhawa emphasized that future urban development must adopt modern construction technologies capable of meeting housing demand while minimizing environmental impact. Technology transfer and local workforce training were identified as key goals of potential cooperation.
The meeting also reviewed proposals to introduce electric bikes and scooters as part of a broader integrated urban mobility plan. Officials further discussed other environmentally friendly initiatives, including plans for electric tram systems aimed at reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions in Islamabad’s rapidly growing urban landscape.
