Islamabad (Web Desk): The federal government on Tuesday announced various steps under its 'National Energy Conservation Plan'.
Briefing the media persons after the federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the chair, Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif said the Cabinet accorded approval to the national energy conservation plan and also approved policy of austerity measures.
He said that the federal government will also hold consultation with the provinces to take their input as well on these austerity measures.
"Energy conservation and austerity is a national cause, and we want to launch it with consensus," the minister asserted.
Elaborating the plan, the defence minister said that the cabinet accorded approval to close down all restaurants, hotels and markets by 8pm, whereas marriage halls will be closed down by10pm.
Meanwhile, electricity fans, bulbs and geezers will also made conservation friendly, while streets lights will be on alternatively.
Moreover, use of electric bikes will be encouraged and the government is negotiating with a company for their manufacturing.
Khawaja Asif said all these austerity measures will help save billion of rupees of the government.
He said that the ministry of information and broadcasting will also run a special campaign to create awareness among the masses regarding for utility of these measures.
"All these measures will be finalized within couple of days after having consultations with the provinces, " he added.
The minister said that the federal cabinet discussed in detail about the impact of this policy of implementing austerity measures, which will become a part of our national culture and also help the nation to get rid of the prevailing financial problems.
Speaking on this occasion, Advisor to Prime Minister on Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, Qamar Zaman Kaira said that the biggest problem Pakistan was facing today was the increasing import bill and warned that if these measures were not taken “we won’t be able to pay the bill anymore”.
“Hence, it is extremely important for the people to cooperate with the government. We also expect the provinces to look at these measures for the prosperity of Pakistan,” he added.
He said that during the cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the efforts of Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for presenting the case of Pakistani nation and Kashmiris before the world during his press conference in the United Nations (UN) recently, while following the
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb was also present on the occasion