Marketers reject govt’s decision to close markets early

On Jan 5, 2023 Last updated Feb 7, 2023

The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led coalition government’s announcement of shutting all malls and markets by 8:30pm in new energy conservation has not been received well by the trading community of Pakistan.

The traders are of the opinion that the government’s plan to save energy is rather counterproductive as this decision will lead to huge losses for the businesses which would affect the economy negatively.

The government devised the National Energy Conservation Plan, in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and hope that this plan would help them save billions of rupees. The Defence Minister, Khwaja Asif had previously said that plan would be implemented across the country.

He also said, “With this initiative [early markets closure], there will be a saving of around Rs62 billion [annually], the plan has been discussed with the business community and they agree to this initiative.”

All-Pakistan Anjuman Tajiran (APAT) President Ajmal Baloch however stated that the business community has strongly opposed the decision and despite assurance from the authorities, the government decided to impose its “unilateral” decision.

Karachi Electronics Dealers Association President Muhammad Rizwan Irfan President revealed that during the meetings with the government representatives, it was decided that marketplaces should remain open till 9-10pm while eateries and wedding venues should be allowed to remain open till 11-12pm.

The All Pakistan Restaurant Association Chairman Ather Chawla also opposed the decision and said, “Whenever the country faces an emergency — be it COVID-19 or any other crisis — the business community bears the brunt.” He also shared the concern regarding the jobs of thousands of people being at risk with such decisions and the loss on the investments in the restaurant industry.

With the implementation of the Energy Conservation Plan, the government hopes to cut the usage of the electricity by 30% and reduce the energy import bill.