Markets to shut down by 8:30pm; wedding halls at 10pm: Khawaja Asif 

Islamabad: Federal Government Tuesday approved ‘energy conservation plan’ that will enforce the closure of markets, hotels, restaurants and cafes at 8:30pm and wedding halls at 10:00pm.

While addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed concerned authorities to reduce the usage of electricity in all departments of the federal government by 30%.  

Flanked by ministers Sherry Rehman, Khurrum Dastgir and Marriyum Aurangzeb, the defence minister announced the decision revealing that the federal cabinet meeting was also held ‘without the use of  'unnecessary electricity’, in pursuance of premier’s order.  

“The approval to the Conservation Plan has been accorded in line with the advice of the Power Division. It will come into force at once across the country,” the Defence Minister said while unveiling the salient features of the austerity plan at a media briefing.

“This energy-saving plan will be applied to the entire country,” The minister said adding that “If implemented, Pakistan will save at least Rs62 billion”. 

The defence minister said that all government institutions will install efficient devices to save electricity. 

“Manufacturing of incandescent bulbs [that consume more electricity] will not be allowed after February 1, 2023,” he stated. 

With this move, he said, the country will save around Rs22 billion.

He added that the cabinet has also approved the plan to halt factories that are producing electric fans. 

The Defence Minister said the production of inefficient electricity fans will be stopped from July 1. He said additional duty will be levied on the inefficient electric fans which will help save Rs15billion.

The corporate sectors are also advised to adopt energy-efficient practices, such as switching to LED lighting and installing energy-efficient appliances. 

The new plan included provisions to increase the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, as well as measures to reduce energy consumption by households and businesses.

Khwaja Asif also announced subsidies for electric vehicles and plans to build electric charging stations across the country, adding that e-bikes will be introduced countrywide.

This would encourage more people to switch to electric vehicles, he sustained.

The federal cabinet also approved up to a 30% reduction in the prices of 20 medicines, in a bid to provide relief to the masses. 

The Defence Minister said conical baffles will be installed in geysers in a matter of one year to ensure conservation of gas which is anticipated to help save ninety two billion rupees.

Khawaja Asif said a campaign will be launched on the print, electronic and social media to create awareness amongst the people about the energy conservation plan.

The Defence Minister said water rates will be reviewed in order to ensure the conservation of water.  He said building control authorities will bring necessary reforms in by laws of housing societies to ensure efficient use of water.

Khawaja Asif said the FBR has been directed to publish a separate tax directory of the parliamentarians.

Referring to work from home policy, the Defence Minister said a committee headed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will review this proposal and a decision on the matter will be taken in a matter of eight to ten days.

Minister for Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman said the new Energy Conservation Plan will help in coping with the dangerous impacts of climate change.

The government hopes that this new energy conservation plan will help the country move towards a greener future and evade economic crises.