Govt’s decision to close markets across the country at 8:30

Islamabad: A federal cabinet meeting was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in which important decisions related to energy saving were approved.

Briefing the media after the Cabinet meeting, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said that it has been decided to close markets at 8:30 and marriage halls at 10.

Khawaja Asif said that the federal cabinet has approved the implementation of the energy saving plan on the recommendation of the power division, which will be implemented immediately in the whole of Pakistan. We need to change our lifestyle. No lights were on in the cabinet meeting today. The meeting was held in full sunlight. Our habits are different from the rest of the world. The federal cabinet has decided that 30 percent electricity will be saved in government departments and other sources will be used to overcome the energy crisis.

The federal minister said that inefficient fans will no longer be made in factories. Fans alone consume 12,000 megawatts of electricity in the country. 50% of street lights will be on in the country. He said that many countries are already running on such models while we have kept ourselves apart from other countries. Markets here are open even after midnight and so are the offices.

During a media briefing with Federal Ministers Khurram Dastgir, Maryam Aurangzeb and others, the Defense Minister further said that instead of benefiting from the light given by Allah, we burn lamps. Shops open at 12 noon or 1 am. We should also use sunlight in our homes. We use 29,000 MW of electricity in summer.

Khawaja Asif said that old bulbs will not be produced after February 1. Substandard fans will also no longer be manufactured while additional duty will be levied on substandard fans. The energy saving plan will be implemented across the country. Also, electric bikes will be promoted across the country. Only 3 billion dollars worth of fuel is being used for motorcycles. Electric bikes will save 3 billion dollars annually.

The Defense Minister said that steps will also be taken to save water, for which changes will be made in the building by-laws. Instead of natural energy, we generate energy ourselves, which incurs production costs. Related to business closures. Talks have been held with businessmen, they agree to this initiative.

He said that as a result of the policy, 62 billion rupees will be saved by restricting the working hours of marriage halls, restaurants and markets. Abandoning the use of inefficient fans will save 15 billion rupees. 5300 of the electricity used in summer is for air-conditioning and the rest is used for fans and lights. In one year, conical baffles will be installed inside the geysers, it is expected to save 92 billion rupees along with gas savings.

The Defense Minister said that awareness campaign related to energy saving will be conducted through print, electronic and social media. Pemra will ensure energy saving campaign through private TV channels and radio channels.

The defense minister said that the committee will make final recommendations on the proposal to work from home.