According to media reports on Wednesday, the cash-strapped Pakistan government has decided to ban wedding events in Islamabad after 10 p.m. and close markets across the country at 8.30 p.m. in an effort to preserve electricity.
Pakistan, which is experiencing a severe power crisis, has taken a number of initiatives to minimise electricity use and load shedding, including banning wedding activities after 10 p.m. in Islamabad, according to Geo News.
The National Economic Council (NEC) has ordered the closure of markets across the country at 8.30 p.m. due to the country’s current power crisis, which has also impacted Pakistan’s economy (local time).
The decision was made on Wednesday during a meeting hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and attended by the chief ministers of all provinces, with the exception of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM, to address the energy issue.
According to a statement released to this effect, the chief ministers of Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan requested two days to discuss with the traders’ organisation, but agreed to the request.
In a press conference, Power Minister Khurrum Dastagir said that early market closures and work-from-home arrangements could help preserve electricity.
The country produces 22,000 megawatts of electricity, while the need is 26,000 megawatts, according to the minister, who also stated that there is a 4,000 megawatt energy gap in the country.
