Amid the severe economic crisis, Pakistan on Tuesday announced a series of measures, including closing all malls and markets by 8:30pm, in an attempt to conserve energy.

 

 

The ruling Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) approved the National Energy Conservation Plan which is expected to save the country about Rs 6,200 crore (2,273 crore in Indian rupees). The country will also impose additional duty on inefficient electric fans and halt their production from July 1, 2023.

 

Wedding halls and restaurants in the country will close at 10 pm, while power consumption in government offices will be reduced to 30%, according to the latest plan.

 

 

 

“No production of incandescent bulbs will be allowed after February 1, 2023, and a duty will also be imposed on them,” Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said. He added: “The decision would help the country save Rs 22 billion [about 806 crore in Indian rupees] per annum, whereas the federal government departments would have to install energy efficient electric appliances, including fans and LED bulbs to avert excessive power consumption.”

 

The series of measures have been taken as the International Monetary Fund delayed the payment of $1.1 billion (Rs 9,111 crore) funding that was due in November, reported Al Jazeera. The country is also facing a delay in getting international financing of more than $30 billion (Rs 2.4 lakh crore) that includes debt repayments and energy imports.

 

The country’s economic crisis comes months after Pakistan faced one of the most devastating floods that displaced nearly 3.3 crore people in the country, which has a population of 23 crore.