Govt mandate close by 8:30 PM, weds by 10:00 PM, aiming to save Rs 62B
At a press conference today, Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif made the announcement. Govt offices are no longer permitted to purchase inefficient electrical equipment. He also made several cost-cutting announcements since the nation’s economy remains fragile
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif gave the order to reduce electricity use in federal government offices by 30% and forgo any superfluous electricity use during the federal cabinet meeting earlier today.
Government offices are no longer permitted to purchase inefficient electrical equipment. Beginning on July 1, 2023, the production of inefficient electric fans will be prohibited.
A new tax will be levied starting on July 1 on the production of inefficient electric fans. Annual savings of Rs. 15 billion are anticipated.
Beginning on February 1, 2023, incandescent bulb production will be prohibited. The manufacture of incandescent bulbs will be subject to an extra duty as of February 1. 22 billion rupees are anticipated to be saved yearly.
The federal government must install conventional baffles in geysers within a year. 92 billion rupees should be saved as a result.
To save Rs. 4 billion yearly, the Federal Govt has also ordered that alternate street lights be turned on at night.
Additionally, the federal government has mandated hastened e-bike introduction. Fuel bikes consume $3 billion in gasoline annually. The introduction of e-bikes will eventually phase out fuel bikes.
A comprehensive awareness campaign has also been established by the federal government to encourage people to adopt austerity measures.
PEMRA will see to it that during the previously allotted 10% of their advertising time, TV and radio networks air advertisements regarding this awareness campaign.
After gaining clearance from PM Shehbaz, the federal Govt would notify the work-from-home (WFH) policy for public sector employees in the following 8–10 days.
The FBR has been urged by the federal Govt to issue a separate tax directory of the lawmakers. It will make it possible for citizens to learn how much tax their elected officials truly pay.
