Early markets closure on the anvil

Govt unveils several austerity measures to conserve energy

ISLAMABAD:

The government unveiled on Tuesday several measures aimed at conserving energy, including early closure of markets and marriage halls and promotion of the use of less power consuming electrical appliances and gadgets, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said.

Briefing the media after a meeting of the federal cabinet, Asif said that the government had prepared the National Energy Conservation Plan, which would be finalised in a couple of days and implemented from Thursday. The Centre, he added, would approach the provinces for the implementation of the plan.

“Energy conservation and austerity is a national cause, and we want to launch it with consensus,” Asif told reporters. “The federal government will consult the provinces for their input on these austerity measures,” the defence minister said.

According to the minister, all markets, restaurants and hotels would close by 8 pm. Similarly, he said, marriage halls would close by 10 pm, adding that these measures could save Rs62 billion. “The Information Ministry will run a campaign to create awareness among the masses about the utility of these measures.”

Asif said older fans consumed 120 to 130 watts of electricity but newer fans used around 40 to 60 watts. The use of the new gadgets will save Rs15 billion, while the use of LED [light-emitting diode] bulbs would save Rs23 billion. Overall, he added, an austere use of fans and air conditioners could save up to 9,000MW of electricity.

Among other austerity measures, Asif said that If 20% workforce in the government institutions worked from home, there would be a saving of Rs56 billion. He announced the launching of the E-bikes in the country soon, which would save Rs86 billion.

“Inside the offices, too much light is being used a lot,” he said. At home, he added, the government also planned to reduce the use of gas. “The gas supply companies will provide saving devices for geysers. This will save Rs92 billion annually,” the minister said.

“The cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, discussed in detail the impact of this policy of implementing austerity measures. It will become part of our national culture and also help the nation to get rid of the prevailing financial problems,” the defence minister told the media.

Responding to a question, Asif said that the prime minister reaffirmed the recent statement of Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari at the United Nations about India’s ruling party. “The foreign minister spoke for all the people of Pakistan. The entire nation pays tribute to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari,” he added.

Also present at the press conference, Adviser to Prime Minister on Kashmir, Qamar Zaman Kaira said that the prime minister appreciated the efforts of Foreign Minister Bilawal for highlighting the Kashmir cause at the UN. He added that Pakistanis was the worst victims of terrorism.

Speaking about the energy austerity measures, Kaira said that Pakistan’s import bill was $26 to $28 billion. “We expect the provincial governments and parties, including trade organisations, would support our proposals and take them as path to the country’s survival and prosperity.”

(WITH INPUT FROM NEWS DESK)