Govt Advances Policy to Locally Manufacture Lithium-ion Batteries in Pakistan

A high-level meeting on the Lithium-Ion Battery Policy was held under the chairmanship of the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Industries and Production Saif Anjum, Chief Executive Officer of the Engineering Development Board (EDB) Hammad Mansoor, and private sector representatives.

During the meeting, participants reviewed progress on the National Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturing Policy 2026–2031. Haroon Akhtar Khan said that the energy storage policy must be integrated into Pakistan’s national energy security framework. He emphasized that partnerships with the private sector and global investors are central to a sustainable energy future for Pakistan.

The SAPM noted that a dedicated Working Group for the National Battery Policy was constituted on December 12, 2025. The committee briefed the meeting that the policy includes phased localization, tariff reforms, and performance-based incentives to promote domestic manufacturing and investment.

Haroon Akhtar Khan said the policy was developed with the support of federal and provincial ministries, industry stakeholders, universities, and international experts. He added that Pakistan has reserves of phosphate, iron, and manganese in various regions, which can be leveraged to support battery manufacturing and reduce import dependence.

Emphasizing quality and safety, the SAPM said the role of the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) is critical to ensuring global standards for battery safety and performance. He added that lithium-ion batteries have wide-ranging applications, including solar energy systems, electric vehicles, backup power solutions, and mobile towers.

The committee approved lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery technology for initial localization. Haroon Akhtar Khan stressed the need for a comprehensive framework for battery testing, certification, and recycling to ensure sustainability and environmental protection.

The meeting was also informed that, under B2B cooperation with China, several multi-million-dollar agreements have been signed, including those related to battery manufacturing. In addition, an important meeting of federal and provincial mineral departments is expected to be held soon to further strengthen coordination in the sector.

Haroon Akhtar Khan directed the Engineering Development Board to ensure that the next-generation energy storage policy is fully aligned with national energy security objectives.

He added that consultations with global experts are underway.