• Envisages early closure of markets, asks citizens to use daylight
• Wants to phase out petrol bikes, introduce efficient bulbs, fans
• Cabinet okays policy, seeks provinces’ support before implementation
• Govt to refer Toshakhana case to FIA

ISLAMABAD: As the circular debt in the energy sector goes up, the government is back to square one: it wants to inculcate the principle of “early to bed, early to rise” into a nocturnal nation, save daylight hours and expect billions in savings.

The national energy conservation plan, approved by the federal cabinet in its meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday, envisages drastic measures like the closure of markets and restaurants by 8pm, the work-from-home facility to 20 per cent of government employees, the introduction of electric motorbikes, efficient light bulbs and fans, the solarisation of government buildings, water conversation, rain harvesting, use of “conical baffle” devices in gas geysers, etc.

The cabinet decided that the emergency plan would be discussed with the provinces for two days — on Tuesday and Wednesday — and would be finalised on Thursday for implementation, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told a presser after the meeting.

“The plan will change the overall lifestyle and habit pattern of the nation that will enrich family life. It will also bring back our tradition and family values,” he said of the plan, similar to ones many governments have announced but failed to implement in the past.

“Our previous generations used to suspend all activities after sunset and shops used to be closed at 6pm. I don’t know when the new trend [the habit of staying awake until late at night] emerged in our society. If we want live within our means, we have to mend our ways,” he said.

Giving details of the emergency plan, the defence minister said estimates had shown that if

20 per cent of the government employees worked from home on a rotation basis, Rs56 billion could be saved. “It is mainly about the nation limiting its lifestyle,” he said.

The timing of wedding halls, he said, would be limited to 10pm while restaurants, hotels and markets would close down by 8pm. He, however, said that there might be some room for the closing time for restaurants to be extended by an hour. “By doing this, we can save Rs62 billion annually,” he added.

He said energy-efficient fans and bulbs would soon be introduced in the market, which would further help save Rs38bn. “Similarly, if streetlights are used alternatively, we would be able to save Rs4bn.”

The minister also revealed that the government was in talks with motorcycle companies for electric bikes to phase out petrol-run bikes, a move he hoped would save around Rs8bn.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Kaira said that no nation could prosper without following the principle of “early to bed, early to rise”.

“The government is taking all the measures it should, but we also need a response from the public,” he stressed. “If we say that we won’t change our habits […] won’t give any sacrifices and expect the government to do everything […] this is not possible,” he said.

Toshakhana scam

Khawaja Asif also revealed in the press conference that the government had decided to refer the Toshakhana case against PTI Chairman Imran Khan to the Federal Investigation Agency.

He said a committee formed by the prime minister has revised the procedure of obtaining foreign gifts, which were kept in Toshakhana. “Under the revised procedure, the doors of ‘bad intention’ have closed and no one can misuse these gifts in the name of ‘good intention’,” he added.

Gas schemes

Later, Prime Minister Sharif chaired a meeting of the cabinet committee on energy and approved the completion of construction work of the gas development schemes started during 2013-18.

Meanwhile, the president of the Tanzeem-i-Tajiran Pakistan, Mohammad Kashif Chaudhry, rejected the proposal for the closure of markets, restaurants and hotels by 8pm and marriage halls by 10pm, saying the government had taken the decision without consulting the stakeholders.

Suleman Chawla of the All Pakistan Restaurant Association asked the government to allow restaurants to operate dine-in until at least 1am and take away timing should continue 24/7.

Published in Dawn, December 21st, 2022