Pakistan power crisis: Order to close the market after 8.30, not to hold a wedding after 10 p.m.

June 9, 2022, Thursday

As part of efforts to save electricity , the Pakistani government has decided to ban weddings in the city of Islamabad after 10pm and close markets across the country at 8:30 pm. This information was given in the media reports on Wednesday.

When will this rule come into force ?

According to sources, the decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on the power crisis. The meeting was attended by the Chief Ministers of all the provinces except the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Pakistan, which is facing a severe power crisis, has taken several steps to reduce its electricity consumption and will now ban weddings in Islamabad after 10 pm, effective June. The current power crisis in Pakistan has also affected its economy. As a result, the National Economic Council ( NEC) has directed markets across the country (according to local time) to close at 8.30 pm.

A statement issued by the ministry said that the chief ministers of Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan had asked for two days to consult the traders' association but they agreed to the move.

Speaking to reporters, Energy Minister Khurram Dastagir said that early closure of markets and a home-based system could save electricity.

"Power generation in the country is 22,000 MW and its requirement is 26,000 MW. There is a shortage of about 4,000 MW in the country, " the minister said .

Earlier, the Pakistani government had advised people to work from home to save electricity.