Islamabad_The federal and provincial governments have unanimously decided to shut markets by 8pm across the country as part of the efforts to conserve energy, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said on Tuesday.
He said this while addressing the media following the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held in Islamabad with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in chair.
The federal government has decided to close markets at 8 pm under an energy-saving plan,
The provincial chief ministers also seconded the federal government’s plan while the traders and businessmen have shown reservations.
The government decided to replace the old bulbs with LED lights and the enforced its green energy action plan to cut imported fuel bills.
However, All Pakistan Anjuman Tajran President Ajmal Baloch demanded the government withdraw the decision,
“The government should withdraw the decision to close the shops at 8 pm. Shops will not be shut at 8 pm this summer,” Ajmal Baloch said in response to the decision.
“There is no shopping during the day in summer. Shoppers take to markets from 8 pm to 11 pm, he said, adding that the businesspersons pay high prices for electricity in the country.
He raised the demand for abolishing the free-electricity quota. Rulers should turn off their air-conditioners and the government should hold negotiations with the stakeholders before taking such a step, he said.
