Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Following Pakistan’s federal government’s announcement to shut all malls and markets by 8:30 pm in a new energy conservation plan, the traders’ community Tuesday outrightly rejected the decision and demanded its revocation.
In a statement, President All-Pakistan Anjuman Tajiran (APAT) Ajmal Baloch asserted that the shops would not close before 10 pm, while restaurants would remain open till 11 pm.
After consultations with the traders, restaurant, and hall owners, the federal government — under its National Energy Conservation Plan unveiled on December 20 — has decided to enforce the market’s closure by 8:30 pm and wedding halls at 10 pm.
In response, the business community maintained that despite strong protest demonstrations and assurance from the authorities, the federal government decided to enforce its “unilateral” decision.
The trading community termed the government’s energy conservation strategy counter-effective to economic growth.
Traders’ community raises questions over latest measures
Ajmal suggested that government authorities stop using air conditioners and heaters in offices. At the same time, protocols and allowances given to bureaucrats and rulers should be halted. He maintained that the business community purchases the most expensive electricity, so favourable strategies should be devised for the business community.
Karachi Electronics Dealers Association (KEDA) President Muhammad Rizwan Irfan revealed that the Sindh government consulted the traders, wedding hall owners, and restaurant owners regarding the energy conservation plan.
He said during the consultation meetings; all stakeholders agreed that markets and malls should remain open till 9-10 pm while restaurants and wedding halls should be allowed to remain open till 11-12 pm. “However, despite 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.
