The federal government gave its approval on Tuesday to a proposal to conserve energy that mandates that stores close at 8:30 p.m. and wedding venues close at 10 p.m.
The defence minister announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a 30% reduction in the amount of power utilised by all federal departments, flanked by Ministers Sherry Rehman, Khurrum Dastgir, and Marriyum Aurangzeb.
The change occurs at a time when the government is determined to lower circular debt in the energy industry.
According to media sources citing the power division, the circular debt, which was Rs2.253 trillion by the end of September last year, has increased by Rs185 billion to reach Rs2.437 trillion.
Asif informed the media following today’s federal cabinet meeting that wedding halls and markets nationwide will only be open until 10 pm and 8:30 pm, respectively.
In a symbolic move, according to Khawaja Asif, the federal cabinet meeting was also conducted without the use of any electricity.
According to the minister, if these timings are followed, the nation will save Rs62 billion.
Additionally, he said that from February 1, 2023, incandescent bulbs won’t be produced and that any imported ones will be subject to higher tariffs.
The minister continued by saying that under the plan, all government offices and employees will use energy efficiently. “This also includes court buildings and housing societies.”
Mr Asif also said that the factories making electric fans would stop operating by July 1.
Asif added that the government had chosen to employ street lights instead of other options, saying that this would save Rs4 billion.
In addition, he said that this year the government will start selling electric motorcycles. “Pakistan consumes $3 billion worth of oil each year. These e-bikes will be a little pricey, but with our financing, we can hopefully cover the charges within a year.”
Asif stated that a committee had been formed by the federal cabinet to investigate the work-from-home policy and that the investigation will be finished in 8 to 10 days.
As maintenance costs for cement, iron, and glass are particularly high, the government was also fetching in a building code for the construction industry, the minister said.
