Karachi: After Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led coalition government announced to shut all malls and markets by 8:30pm in new energy conservation, trading community rejected decision and sought its revocation.

All-Pakistan Anjuman Tajiran (APAT) President Ajmal Baloch in a statement asserted that shops will not close before 10pm, while restaurants will remain open till 11pm.

Following consultations with traders, restaurant and hall owners, government under its National Energy Conservation Plan initially unveiled on December 20 has decided to enforce closure of markets by 8:30pm and wedding halls at 10pm.

In response, business community lamented that despite strong protests and assurance from authorities, government decided to impose its “Unilateral” decision. Terming government’s strategy for saving energy by halting 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 business community purchases most expensive electricity and therefore, favourable strategies should be devised for them. Trader further suggested that street lights 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.

Karachi Electronics Dealers Association President Muhammad Rizwan Irfan President revealed that Government of Sindh consulted traders, restaurant owners and wedding hall owners regarding energy-saving plan. He said during 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 Sindh government’s assurance they imposed unilateral decision,” Irfan lamented, asking government to bear their expenses after imposition of its energy conservation plan.

All Pakistan Restaurant Association Chairman Ather Chawla strongly condemned energy plan presented by federal government, saying that industry is still reeling from damage done during Covid-19 endemic.

He slammed Centre for imposing restrictions on restaurants, markets and wedding halls, saying, “Whenever country faces an emergency be it Covid-19 or any other crisis business community bears brunt.” “Are we only ones whom you can target?” he asked incumbent government as he sought revocation of decision. Chawla said millions of people’s income is associated with restaurant industry while investment worth billions of rupees is at stake. He urged government to reconsider its decision and allow restaurants to remain open till midnight.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 04 2023

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