SHALOM OLALEYE
Pakistan Authorities have ordered shopping malls and markets to close by 8:30pm.
The order which is part of a new energy conservation plan aimed at easing Pakistan’s economic crisis was made into effect on Wednesday.
Defense Minister, Pakistan, Khawaja Mohammad and Minister for Power Ghultam Dastghir said,
“The Pakistan government decided to shut establishments early as part of the new energy conservation plan approved by the Cabinet.
The government expects these measures to save energy and curtail the costs of imported oil, for which Pakistan spends US$3 billion annually.
In Pakistan, most of the electricity is generated by using imported oil”.
So far, there has been a mixed reaction from representatives of shopping malls, restaurants and shop owners who want the government to reverse the decision.