Punjab, KP govts reject energy plan

The Governments of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have rejected the energy plan of the federal government.

PTI senior leader from Punjab Mian Aslam Iqbal has said that the energy plan is not acceptable for the provincial government as it is against interests of people.

He said that all stockholders should be taken on board before taking any big decision, adding that the imported government did not bother to contact the provinces.

He tweeted that the imported government is taking revenge for its failure from the people.

He said a meeting will be held with Punjab Chambers and shopkeepers, all stakeholders will be consulted, the Punjab government will decide the business closure times after the provincial cabinet meeting, the economy of the country has already shrunk, unemployment is increasing in the province.

امپورٹڈ حکومت اپنی ناکامی کابدلہ عوام سےلےرہی ہے
پنجاب کے چیمبرز اور دکانداروں سےمیٹنگ کی جائے گی تمام اسٹیک ہولڈرز سےمشاورت کریں گے، پنجاب حکومت کاروبار بند کرنےکےاوقات کا فیصلہ صوبائی کابینہ اجلاس کےبعد کرے گی ،ملک کی معیشت پہلے ہی سکڑ گئی ہےصوبے میں بےروزگاری بہت بڑھ رہی ہے

— Mian Aslam Iqbal (@MMAslamIqbal) January 3, 2023

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Spokesperson and Special Assistant to KP Chief Minister (CM) Mahmood Khan, Barrister Muhammad Ali Khan Saif also criticised the federal government’s energy plan and said that the KP government was not consulted by the Centre in this regard.

He added that it is not possible for the provincial government to implement the plan.

Earlier on Tuesday, the federal government announced new energy conservation plan that markets would close by 8.30 pm and wedding halls by 10 pm across the country in view of the increasing circular debt.

Meanwhile, traders and restaurant owners categorically rejected the federal government’s decision to shut all malls and markets by 8:30pm in line with the new energy conservation plan

Ajmal Baloch, president All-Pakistan Anjuman Tajiran (APAT) said that the shops would not shut down before 10pm, while restaurants will remain open till 11pm.

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Terming the government’s strategy for saving energy by halting the 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.

The business community lamented that despite strong protests and assurance from the authorities, the government decided to impose its “unilateral” decision.

He noted that the business community purchases the most expensive electricity, and therefore, favourable strategies should be devised for them.

The 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 revealed that the Government of Sindh consulted the traders, restaurant owners, and wedding hall owners regarding the energy-saving plan.

He said during the 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 their [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.

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

He slammed the Centre for imposing restrictions on restaurants, markets and wedding halls, saying: “Whenever the country faces an emergency — be it Covid-19 or any other crisis — the business community bears the brunt.”

“Are we the only ones whom you can target?” he asked the incumbent government as he sought the revocation of the decision.

Chawla said millions of people’s income is associated with the restaurant industry while investment worth billions of rupees is at stake.

He urged the government to reconsider its decision and allow restaurants to remain open till midnight.