Pakistan orders market closure in evenings to conserve energy
Pakistan's government has ordered all malls and markets to close by 8.30pm among other measures in a new energy conservation plan, the defence minister said on Tuesday, as the country grapples with an economic crisis.
The country's foreign exchange reserve levels barely cover a month's worth of imports, most of which are accounted for by energy purchases from abroad, with funds expected under an International Monetary Fund programme having been delayed.
Khawaja Asif told journalists that measures approved by the cabinet aims to save the cashstrapped country about Rs62 billion ($273.4 million). He said additional immediate measures included shutting wedding halls by 1pm daily. He added that some market representatives had pushed for longer hours, but the government decided that earlier closure was needed. Asif also said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered all government departments to reduce electricity consumption by 30 per cent.
“The plan will change the overall lifestyle and habit pattern of the nation and save us Rs60 billion,” said the minister. Asif said that the production of fans run on electricity will be halted by July. “Inefficient fans use around 120-130 watts of electricity. Across the globe, fans are available that use 60-80 watts,” he said, adding that the import duty on “inefficient” fans will be increased, the Dawn News reported.
Moreover, he revealed that after February 1, 2023, incandescent bulbs would not be manufactured and additional taxes will be imposed on the ones that were imported. “We can say Rs22 billion by doing this.” The minister went on to say that all government buildings and officers will consume efficient energy under the plan. “Court buildings and housing societies are also included in this.”
“Similarly, we have also decided to make the use of conical geysers mandatory within a year. These geysers use less gas and this way we will be able to save Rs92 billion.”
Asif also said that the government had decided to use street lights alternatively which he claimed would save Rs4 billion.
Furthermore, he said that the government would be introducing electric motorcycles this year. “Pakistan is using oil worth $3 billion annually. These e-bikes will
be slightly expensive but we will provide financing and the costs will hopefully be covered within a year.”
Asif added that the federal cabinet had directed the formation of a committee to look into the workfrom-home policy and the process will be completed within 8 to 10 days. — agencies