Kanwal Naseer

The federal government plans to close markets and eateries nationwide at 8 p.m. in order to save billions of rupees as part of its energy conservation strategy. "The country will adopt austerity, which will put an end to the economic issues," Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told a press conference after the federal cabinet meeting.

According to the minister, if 20% of the employees work from home on a rotating basis, this will simply save Rs56 billion. Additionally, the federal government intends to advise alternatively turning off street lights, which would save roughly Rs4 billion. He indicated that although the restaurant hours could be extended by an hour or so, the wedding halls will close at 10 p.m.

In addition, the government intends to replace petrol-powered motorcycles with e-bikes. He informed that the government is in talks with various e-bike manufacturers. According to Khawaja Asif, the country's dire economic circumstances make it impossible for it to maintain its existing lifestyle. "We need to alter our behaviours and live within our means," he remarked.

Meanwhile, Adviser to Prime Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira has assured that Pakistan will not default. He pleaded with the populace to support the government's policy. The import bill, which is between $26 and $28 billion and is going up, is Pakistan's biggest problem. “We have no choice but to take these actions, and the people ought to support the government,” Kaira stated.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk