Trade organizations have rejected the PDM government’s decision to close markets, restaurants and shopping malls at 8:30pm, saying they had not been consulted on the measures which would badly hit already struggling businesses.
Under the national energy-conservation program announced by Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday, markets and restaurants will have to close by 8:30 p.m. and wedding halls by 10 pm.
“The approval to the Conservation Plan has been accorded in line with the advice of the Power Division. It will come into force at once across the country,” the defense minister said while unveiling the salient features of the austerity plan at a media briefing after the Cabinet meeting.
All-Pakistan Anjuman Tajiran (APAT) President Ajmal Baloch, in a statement, asserted that the shops will not close before 10pm, while restaurants will remain open till 11pm.
In response, the business community lamented that despite strong protests and assurance from the authorities, the government decided to impose its “unilateral” decision.
Terming the government’s strategy for saving energy by halting the economic growth “counter effective”, Ajmal suggested that government officials stop using air conditioners and heaters in offices while protocols and allowances are given to bureaucrats and rulers should be stopped.
He noted that the business community purchases the most expensive electricity, and therefore, favorable strategies should be devised for them.
The trader further suggested that streetlights should be lit after 10pm, excessive use of electricity on national highways and motorways should be reduced and electricity in parks and government offices should be turned off after sunset.
“The decision has been taken without consultation with the stakeholders and we have outrightly rejected this plan because it is not practical,” President of the Markazi Tanzeem-e-Tajran Pakistan Kashif Chaudhry said.
Chaudhry said traders were expecting a plan for the revival of the ailing economy but were instead offered one that would further ravage their businesses, warning that enforcing the decision would be met with a strong reaction, including countrywide protests.
Pakistani restaurant owners said they were already reeling from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the new plan would lead to the “total collapse” of their businesses.
Retail sector stakeholders said the government’s decision would impact revenue generation and also hit the livelihoods of three million people associated with the sector.
Karachi Electronics Dealers Association President Muhammad Rizwan Irfan President revealed that the Government of Sindh consulted the traders, restaurant owners, and wedding hall owners regarding the energy-saving plan.
He said during the consultation meetings, all stakeholders agreed that markets and malls should remain open till 9-10pm while restaurants and wedding halls should be allowed to remain open till 11-12pm.
“However, despite their [Sindh government’s] assurance they imposed a unilateral decision,” Irfan lamented, asking the government to bear their expenses after the imposition of its energy conservation plan.
