The government has announced its National energy-saving program under which it has been decided that wedding halls will close by 10 pm and markets at 8 pm.
After a federal cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif spoke to the press while being supported by Federal Minister for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Kashmir Affairs Qamar Zaman Kaira.
He said that it has been decided to close wedding halls at 10 pm, while markets and restaurants will be closed at 8 pm.
Markets around the world close by 6 pm but ours are open till 2 am, he added.
“If 20% of the workers are sent to work from home on a rotational basis, this will save Rs56 billion,” said the minister.
He also stated that the federal government has suggested alternatively switching on and off street lights to save about Rs4 billion.
“The government is also introducing e-bikes which will phase out the bikes that use petrol. The government is negotiating with the companies to phase out the bikes that use petrol and modify the existing bikes,” said Asif.
According to the minister, the government is calling all four provinces to let them know about the programme and get their support. He said that it will be introduced with consensus and that it is a national programme.
The exercise will be completed in the next two days, he added.
According to Asif, the country cannot maintain its current standard of living due to its serious economic circumstances.
“We need to change our habits if we want to live within our means,” said the defense minister. He said austerity will become part of the nation which will end its economic problems.
