Pakistan

Marriage halls, restaurants to shut down before midnight in Islamabad

Decision was made during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Energy

Abdul Manan April 08, 2015

PHOTO: EXPRESS

A meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Energy decided on Wednesday to shut down marriage halls and restaurants at 10pm and 11pm respectively in the federal capital.

The decision during the 12th meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Energy in a bid to save energy came.

To ensure the measures are being taken, PM Nawaz directed the ministers in the CCE to hold meetings with provincial chief ministers to brief them regarding the need and urgency of conservation measures, including early closure of shops, marriage halls and restaurants.

“Ministry of Water and Power should take steps for creating awareness among the general public regarding conservation of electricity,” the premier said.

Chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the meeting decided that production of efficient electrical appliances consuming less electricity would be encouraged including, fans, flourescent lamps, air conditioners, motors, refrigerators, washing machines and UPS.

The meeting also approved energy audit and energy conservation awareness in industries to save their bills as well as consumption of electricity.

Further, the meeting which lasted nearly three hours reviewed progress on the decisions of the previous meeting held on Marach 12, 2015.

Read: Cabinet committee on energy: Jamshoro power plant reaches financial close

The prime minister directed the Ministry of Water and Power to ensure that LNG based projects are completed within the prescribed timelines.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was informed that one LNG terminal has been set up while the second one would be ready next month. Both plants have investment from Pakistani companies worth US$1 billion.

The meeting also apprised the premier on the planned 1100-km North-South gas pipeline which is expected to be completed in the first half of 2017.

Read: Energy crisis: Alternative sources the only solution, say experts

The meeting was attended by Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Petroluem Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi; Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the prime minister’s senior aide Sartaj Aziz, Minister of State for Water and Power Abid Sher Ali and others.

COMMENTS (10)

raza | 9 years ago | Reply It's quite common around the world for shops to close by 9pm around the world. Pakistani need to manage there times more efficiently, as this also shop owners more time allotted to family. Its absurd now that marriage function last untill the early mornings. And coming fashionably late is the new norms. Seems also eating meals on time is now foreign.

M K Sufi | 9 years ago | Reply In developed countries all shops close by 5/6. The shops/offices here in our Country should close by sunset. On Saturday the shops may remain opened up to 10 pm. As it is offices are closed on Saturday. Shopping can be done on this day. Restaurant should also close by 10 pm including marriage halls. People should more time with their families.