Ahsan Iqbal pushes Beijing talks on EV sector, sodium battery tech in Pakistan

Pakistan seeks collaboration with Chinese enterprises to advance its electric vehicle industry, according to Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal. The minister addressed journalists during his visit to Beijing, where he identified electric vehicles as a priority sector for bilateral cooperation. Pakistani officials desire access to Chinese technological innovations, particularly advanced battery systems such as sodium-ion technology that surpass conventional lithium alternatives. Chinese manufacturers would gain economic benefits by establishing production facilities within Pakistan, Iqbal noted. This partnership would simultaneously support Pakistan's efforts to decrease reliance on fossil fuel imports.