KARACHI: A delegation of the federal government led by Defense Minister Khawaja Asif met Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to discuss the energy conservation plan announced by the federal government.
The federal government on Tuesday unveiled its energy conservation plan, which includes closing all markets and restaurants at 8pm and allowing all government offices to work from home one day a week.
Apart from Defense Minister, Minister of State Mossadegh Malik and Housing and Works Minister Abdul Wasi were also included in the delegation.
In the meeting, the defense minister recommended to use solar energy for his benefit and said that energy saving is necessary for economic stability.
The minister suggested changing office hours from 9 am to 5 pm to 8 am to 4 pm to utilize sunlight.
Chief Minister Sindh said that he should talk to marriage halls and market associations before deciding to close the market early. He added that he had received advice to close the restaurant at 10 pm but he could take a final decision after talking to the restaurant union.
The Chief Minister suggested that he and the Prime Minister interact with the stakeholders at individual level and arrive at a consensus to implement energy conservation measures and reduce the economic pressure on the country.
Minister of State for Petroleum Mossadegh Malik said that Pakistan needs to meet the power theft of Rs 380 billion to reduce its rising oil import bill and alleviate the country’s economic stress.
Earlier this week, Khawaja Asif had said that the federal government would finalize its energy conservation plan after consultation with the rest of the provinces.
Asif said that the country cannot afford the current living conditions as it is going through a serious economic situation.
The Defense Minister said that if we want to live within our means, we have to change our habits. Asif said that we can save billions of rupees by saving energy from different sources.
He said that austerity will become a part of our nation, which will end economic problems.
Meanwhile, Advisor to Prime Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira assured that Pakistan will not default. He urged the people to accept the government’s policy.
Kaira said, “Pakistan’s biggest problem is the import bill which is 26 to 28 billion dollars, which is increasing. We have no other option but to take these steps, and let the nation cooperate with the government.” Will be,” Kyra said.
