Tag: energy conservation plan

  • Commerce minister warns of financial loss over proposed early market closure 

    Commerce minister warns of financial loss over proposed early market closure 

    Caretaker Minister for Commerce, Industries, and Production, Dr Gohar Ejaz, has voiced his opposition to the early market closure proposed as part of the energy conservation plan, expressing concerns over the significant financial losses the government could incur as a result.  

    According to ARY News, Dr Ejaz said that Pakistan currently has a surplus of electricity, making the decision to close markets prematurely economically unfavorable. 

    He revealed that recommendations were sought from all chambers of commerce across the country within a 30-day period. Additionally, Dr Ejaz announced an upcoming anti-gas theft initiative following the anti-power theft operation. He urged traders to be flexible, considering the limited gas resources in the country. 

    Furthermore, he revealed plans to invite 100 international brands to a conference in Pakistan, granting them the status of state guests. Dr Ejaz also mentioned the current exchange rate of the US dollar, which stands at Rs260. 

    To encourage the purchase of electricity from Thar, he directed Sindh and Punjab to do so, promising tax exemptions if they comply. This move aims to make electricity tariffs in these regions more competitive. 

    The caretaker minister stressed the need to boost exports, pointing out that Pakistan’s foreign direct investment is contingent on increased exports. He called for cooperation from business leaders to resolve various issues.  

    Dr Ejaz expressed his commitment to serving the country and previously outlined plans to support industry stakeholders in boosting exports and establishing business parks in major cities to stimulate economic growth. 

  • CDA to turn off 50% lights on Islamabad’s roads to save energy

    CDA to turn off 50% lights on Islamabad’s roads to save energy

    Under the federal government’s energy-saving plan, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to turn off 50 per cent of the streetlights in Islamabad.

    However, all the street lights will remain switched on in residential areas for maximum facilitation of the citizens at night, according to CDA spokesperson.

    The CDA is leading the charge to ensure that the government’s effort to save energy through austerity measures is effective. In order to preserve as much energy as possible, the CDA has asked inhabitants of the federal capital to limit their consumption of power in their houses.

  • Traders reject govt’s early market closure plan

    Traders reject govt’s early market closure plan

    The federal government’s proposal to close all markets and restaurants by 8:30 pm. as part of a new energy conservation plan has been opposed by traders across the nation, who claim that such measures cannot be used to save energy.

    The chief of Markazi Tanzeem-e-Tajran Pakistan (MTTP), Kashif Chaudhry, said that the government had developed the policy without consulting the business community and had failed to adhere to the energy conservation plan.

    “It is not possible to save energy by such measures,” Kashif Chaudhry said, warning of “strong resistance” if the government tried to forcefully close the market.

    He regretted the fact that the administration opted to enact its “unilateral” action despite loud protests and assurances from the authorities.

    In an effort to conserve energy, he urged that the government forbid its employees from using heaters and air conditioners in their workplaces. He said that since we buy the most expensive electricity, advantageous plans should be developed for us.

    Meanwhile, the president of the Karachi Electronics Dealers Association, Rizwan Irfan, disclosed that the Sindh government has met with owners of wedding venues and restaurants over the energy-saving strategy.

    During the meetings, he claimed, all parties involved agreed that markets and malls should be permitted to stay open until 9 or 10 pm., while eateries and wedding venues should be permitted to stay open until 11 or 12 pm.

    “However, despite the Sindh government’s assurance, they imposed a unilateral decision,” Irfan lamented, asking the government to bear their expenses.

    Additionally, Ilyas Memon, president of the Saddar Traders Association, claimed that the decision to close markets early amounted to the destruction of enterprises.

    “The police and the administration should not harass the businessmen,” he said, adding that the Sindh government should not file an FIR as per the decisions taken in the consultation meeting.