Members of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance on Tuesday voiced serious concerns over the quality, safety, and regulation of lithium batteries being used in Pakistan.
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During the committee meeting in Islamabad, Senator Talha Mahmood said a major issue related to lithium batteries had surfaced in the country, alleging that carbon material used in the batteries was being recycled and reused.
He noted that incidents involving lithium batteries catching fire were occurring frequently and warned that additional problems could emerge once battery warranties expire.
Senator Talha further said lithium battery cells were not currently being manufactured in Pakistan and stressed the need for proper standards and oversight.
The committee also discussed issues related to solar energy consumers ahead of the upcoming federal budget.
Senator Abdul Qadir urged the government to provide relief to solar consumers and reconsider policies that, according to him, were discouraging the use of solar energy.
He said electricity generated by solar consumers was being purchased at Rs9 per unit while the same consumers were being charged around Rs50 per unit for electricity supply.
The senator also called for reducing the cost of lithium batteries to support electricity storage for solar users and demanded the abolition of the super tax.
Highlighting the need for broader energy reforms, Abdul Qadir said incentives should be introduced for converting old motorcycles into electric vehicles, noting that more than 20 million motorcycles were currently in use across the country.
He also urged the government to initiate local production of lithium batteries in Pakistan.
