Govt orders closure of markets, restaurants by 8 pm to conserve energy

Islamabad: In a bid to conserve energy, the cash-strapped Pakistan government Tuesday ordered to shut markets and restaurants at 8:00 pm, directing marriage halls to arrange functions till 10 pm.

While addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Federal Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated that all commercial centers including markets, shopping malls and restaurants will be closed at 8pm across Pakistan.  

“Wedding halls will be closed at 10pm for the entirety of the week,” he said adding that the late-night shopping culture has consumed an enormous amount of electricity, and thus, cannot be tolerated from now on. 

He further added, “Taking Pakistan’s meager resources into consideration, it is imperative to change our lifestyle,” stressing that only "austerity could end the economic problems".

Asif said that billions of rupees can be saved by conserving energy through different sources.

Bakeries, offices, and warehouses will also remain closed. However, markets have been allowed extended hours. 

Apart from other cost-saving measures, the authorities have also directed government offices to make 20% of employees ‘work from home’ on a rotational basis as it would save Rs56 billion.

Accompanied by Federal Information Minister Marriyam Aurangzeb and Advisor to the Prime Minister on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Qamar Zaman Kaira, the Defense Minister said that pharmacies have been exempted from these restrictions.

The minister also shared that the federal government recommended switching street lights on alternately, saving about Rs4 billion. 

In a bid to reduce the fuel import bill, the federal minister said that the government was mulling plans to launch E-bikes which will phase out the motorbikes that use petrol.

“The government is also seeking ways to modify existing bikes to work on electricity,” said Asif, explaining that officials are taking strict measures owing to insufficient energy resources.

"The plan will be finalised on Thursday (December 22) after consultations with the rest of the provinces," Asif stated.