Pakistani parliament to approve energy-saving plan

ISLAMABAD – Faced with an electricity shortfall of 3,000MW per day, the Federal Water and Power Ministry proposed to parliament April 14 that it require early closing times for shops and reduced lighting of government officials’ offices and houses, media reported.

The plan calls for closing shops and markets at 8pm and reducing the number of active streetlights on roads. It also halves the number of active lights in the offices and residences of the highest-ranking executives, such as the president, prime minister and chief ministers.

Only authorised government officials would be allowed to use air conditioners after 11am.