ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s federal government has announced a number of measures, immediately applicable, aimed at conserving energy resources in the country.
Addressing a press conference after today’s cabinet meeting, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said that the Federal Cabinet gave go ahead for implementation of Energy Conservation Plan in Pakistan, adding that “as per the plan, marriage lawns will close at 10PM and markets will close at 8:30PM. Earlier, we had decided to close markets at 8PM but following a meeting between traders and PM Shehbaz Sharif, the timings were enhanced to 8:30PM.”
He said if these timings are implemented then the country will save Rs62 billion.
Khawaja Asif said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed to decrease the usage of electricity used by all departments of the federal government by 30%. He also directed against unimportant usage of electricity in offices. He said in pursuance of PM’s order, the federal cabinet meeting today took a symbolic action and held in solar light without the use of any electricity.
Giving further details, Khawaja Asif said that the factories producing “inefficient electric fans” run would be halted by July 1. He said inefficient fans use around 120-130 watts of electricity, while fans were available across the globe that used 60-80 watts.” He further said that the import duty on “inefficient” fans would be increased to decrease its consumption.
The minister went on to say that all government buildings and officers will consume efficient energy under the plan. “Court buildings and housing societies are also included in this.”
“Similarly, we have also decided to make the use of conical geysers mandatory within a year. These geysers use less gas and this way we will be able to save Rs92 billion.”
Asif also said that the government had decided to use street lights alternatively which he claimed would save Rs4 billion.
Khawaja Asif said a campaign will be launched on the print, electronic and social media to create awareness amongst the people about the energy conservation plan.
The Defense Minister said water rates will be reviewed in order to ensure the conservation of water. He said building control authorities will bring necessary reforms in by laws of housing societies to ensure efficient use of water.
Khawaja Asif said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during the cabinet meeting directed to reduce the usage of electricity in all federal departments by thirty percent. He said the Prime Minister also directed to avoid unnecessary use of electric appliances in all the offices.
The federal cabinet also approved reduction of maximum retail price of twenty medicines to provide relief to the common man.
Khawaja Asif said the FBR has been directed to publish a separate tax directory of the parliamentarians.
