Pakistan decides to shut malls, hotels and markets at 8:30pm under energy saving plan

Pakistan government on Tuesday approved the National Energy Conservation Plan, introducing certain measures, including early closure of malls, markets and restaurants, to ensure judicious usage of electricity in the country, aiming to save hundreds of billions of rupees.

In a meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the federal cabinet approved implementation of the energy conservation plan across the country with immediate effect. In the meeting, the PM directed to cut electricity usage by the government departments by 30% and stop unnecessary use of electric appliances in all government offices. The government also banned the usage of inefficient appliances, targeting to save around Rs. 62 billion per year.

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif shared the salient features of the conservation plan at a media briefing after the cabinet meeting. Asif said the energy conservation reforms were being introduced across the country and urged the people to change their habits to help government save energy.

The plan was introduced and approved on the advice of the Power Division

“The cabinet, on the recommendation of the power division, has allowed enforcing the energy-saving plan which will be applied to the entire country,” said Asif, adding that under the plan markets would close at 8:30pm while wedding halls would be bound to close at 10pm.

Key features of energy conservation plan:

  • Markets will be closed by 8:30pm
  • Wedding halls will be shut down by 10pm
  • All govt offices to install energy-efficient appliances
  • Ban use of inefficient fans of 120-130 watts
  • Stop production of filament bulbs effective Feb. 1
  • Introduction of electronic motorbikes across the country
  • Use of conical geysers would be made mandatory by 2024
  • Streetlights across the country will be turned on alternately
  • Awareness campaigns to be launched on electronic, social media

The government is also considering on forming a committee to submit a report on implementation of Work from Home policy. The government is also working on new building code to make buildings energy efficient.

Punjab refuses to follow conservation plan, KP undecided

Provinces have given mixed response to the federal government’s energy conservation plan.

Special Assistant to the KPK Chief Minister Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif said the plan was announced by the federal government, and the KPK government was not consulted prior to the announcement.

“There was also no consultation over the closure of markets and shops,” the barrister said in a statement.

He further said that they have not yet decided on implementing the center’s power-preservation policy, adding that the KP government is already taking steps to conserve electricity and prevent environmental pollution — using LED bulbs and working on solarization.

Separately, Punjab Senior Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal said that the Punjab government rejects the decision and would not accept any orders of the “imported government”.

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