Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that the federal cabinet approved the energy conservation plan, according to which all markets will close at 8:30 pm and Wedding halls by 10 pm.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif While addressing a press conference said that “All markets and shopping malls will be closed by 8:30 pm and wedding halls at 10:00 pm across the country.
Briefing Media about the decisions taken in a cabinet meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the chair, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that the energy conservation plan help Pakistan to save 8,000 to 9,000 megawatts of electricity and Rs62 billion in a year.
“Markets in other parts of the world are shut down by 6 pm but they remain open beyond midnight in Pakistan,” said Khawaja Asif.
The Federal Minister said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif under the Energy conversation plan directed to reduce the usage of electricity at federal government-run offices by 30 percent.
Federal Cabinet directed the formation of a committee to submit a report on implementing work from home in offices, he added.
Moreover, he also announced that the federal government would be introducing E-bikes this year. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that the government had decided to use street lights alternatively which he claimed would save Rs4 billion.
Further revealed that after 1st February 2023, incandescent bulbs would not be manufactured. “We can save Rs22 billion by doing this,” he added.
The minister said that President Arif Alvi has supported the federal government’s plan. He said that the government had spoken to all the provinces and stakeholders and recorded everyone’s stand on it as this will be a permanent feature, which would be beneficial for the country.
“I have asked President Alvi to speak to KP and Punjab governments for implementation of the energy conservation plan.
He further added that the Ministry of Information will be running a Media campaign to spread awareness regarding these new measures among the public, Aadde
Key features of Energy conservation plan:
- Markets will be closed by 8:30 pm
- Wedding halls will be shut down by 10 pm
- All govt offices to install energy-efficient appliances
- Use of inefficient fans of 120-130 watts to be banned
- Filament bulbs will not be produced from Feb 1, 2023
- Electronic motorbikes will be introduced in the country
- Use of conical geysers to be made mandatory within a year
- Committee formed to deliberate on Work From Home policy
- Streetlights across the country will be turned on alternately
- Awareness campaigns to be launched on electronic, social media
Earlier the NSC meeting chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has taken key decisions on economic and security challenges. It was decided that Strict action will be taken place against Social media accounts spreading false information.
Read More : Strict action takes place against Social media accounts spreading false information -NSC
