January 03, 2022 (MLN): The federal government on Tuesday approved the energy conservation plan in a bid to save energy resources, as per which all the markets and wedding halls will be closed by 8:30 pm and 10:00 pm, respectively, the defense minister Khawaja Asif informed today through a media briefing.
He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed to decrease the electricity consumption of all public departments by 30%. He hoped that the measures would be Rs62 billion for the country, facing a financial crunch amid melting foreign exchange reserves.
The government also decided to impose a ban on the manufacturing of incandescent bulbs from February 01, 2023, he said, adding that additional taxes would be imposed to discourage import.
Under the conversation plan, all government buildings and offices, including courts, would be shifted to efficient energy.
Mr. Asif also announced the production of inefficient electricity would be stopped from July 1 as they consume extra energy.
The government will soon introduce e-bikes countrywide, he added.
The cabinet has directed to form of a committee to submit a report on implementing work from home in offices.
“Similarly, we have also decided to make the use of conical geysers mandatory within a year. These geysers use less gas and this way we will be able to save Rs92bn," he added.
