Punjab on Thursday launched Pakistan’s first Green Policing Unit, introducing electric patrol vehicles as part of efforts to reduce fuel consumption and cut emissions amid worsening winter smog.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the unit and said the initiative reflects the province’s commitment to clean air and improved governance. She noted that shifting to electric vehicles would significantly reduce fuel costs while ensuring zero carbon emissions. During the launch, the chief minister also inspected the electric patrol vehicles and personally drove one.
According to officials, the Green Policing Unit will initially operate in Lahore, where electric vehicles will be used for traffic patrolling. The vehicles, manufactured by BYD, offer a driving range of around 410 kilometres on a single charge and can be fast-charged from 30 per cent to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes.
All electric patrol vehicles are equipped with modern surveillance systems, public address equipment, police lights, 360-degree cameras, and speed-detection tools to support law enforcement operations.
Officials said conventional patrol vehicles currently used in Lahore consume nearly 28,000 litres of fuel every month, costing around Rs7.42 million. In comparison, each electric vehicle is expected to save about 4,500 litres of fuel annually, significantly lower operational expenses, and eliminate carbon emissions.
The chief minister directed authorities to gradually increase the number of electric vehicles in the Green Policing Unit and instructed that the initiative be expanded to other districts of Punjab in phases.
