The federal government announced that all markets and eateries will close at 8 pm.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated wedding halls will close at 10 pm; however, restaurants may extend hours by an hour.
Minister suggested, “Sending 20% of staff home on a rotating basis will save Rs56 billion.”
The minister said the federal government recommends alternating street lights to save Rs4 billion.
Khawaja Asif said, “The government is introducing e-bikes to replace petrol-powered bikes. The government is negotiating to phase out petrol-powered bikes and modify current ones .
The minister said the administration is informing and involving all four provinces in the policy. Then, the national program will be introduced with consensus, he said.
Asif said this strategy will be finalized Thursday after provincial meetings.
Asif claimed the country couldn’t afford the existing living standards due to its poor economy.
Defense minister: “We need to modify our habits” Asif claimed energy conservation could save billions of rupees.
“Austerity will end our economic issues,” he stated.
Qamar Zaman Kaira, PM’s adviser, said Pakistan wouldn’t default. Instead, he asked people to support government policy.
“Pakistan’s $26-$28 billion import bill keeps rising. We must make these efforts, and the nation must support the administration “Kaira,
Government working on circular debt scheme
Last week, sources told The News that the government had ordered relevant authorities to devise realistic solutions to lower the Rs4 trillion circular debt.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) rejected Pakistan’s plan to reduce its circular debt without price modifications because it seeks cost recovery in the electricity and gas-producing industries.
