In response to the government’s decision, the All Pakistan Traders Association has demanded that the decision to close stores at 8 p.m. be reversed.
The proposal to close all markets nationwide at 8 p.m. as part of the energy conservation project has been approved by the National Economic Council (NEC), according to the Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives’ statement on Tuesday.
The minister reported that attendees at today’s NEC meeting included representatives from every province. After evaluating the current situation, it was unanimously decided to close all stores at 8 p.m. beginning on July 1.
According to him, all provinces will implement the decision to close their markets at 8 p.m.
The federal minister continued, “Energy is where the government spends the most money.” In order to control these costs, he said, “Measures are being taken, and if we manage to control them, many issues will be resolved.”
The government will make more significant decisions in the future regarding this issue, he said, adding that the biggest challenge during the summer is electricity generation. To meet domestic consumer demand, markets were agreed to close early in the evening.
Reduced market timings may cause losses, according to more information.
The provincial chief ministers approved of the choice. Along with the implementation of green energy projects, it was also decided to replace old bulbs with LED lighting.
The federal government’s decision has been rejected by the traders in the interim. In response to the government’s decision, the All Pakistan Traders Association has demanded that the decision to close stores at 8 p.m. be reversed.
This summer, no stores will close at 8 o’clock, according to a press release from Jamil Baloch, president of the All Pakistan Traders Association. “The ineffective practise of closing stores at 8 o’clock has been adopted by every government. During the summer, no purchases are made during the day; instead, only purchases are made from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
According to Baloch, the people who buy the most expensive electricity in the nation are traders. “Stopping the economic wheel in order to conserve energy is absurd. Government officials should stop receiving free electricity, and they should also turn off their air conditioners.”
“Then, every home’s fan will be working. Unfortunately, either the defence minister or the planning minister speaks when it comes to energy conservation. He added that the energy minister ought to have a conversation with representatives of traders.