The changes include ordering all malls, markets, and restaurants to close by 8:30 PM local time as the country copes with a major economic crisis. They also plan to shut down wedding halls by 10 PM daily, and all government departments must reduce electricity consumption by 30 percent.
Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves barely cover a month’s worth of imports, most of which are accounted for by energy purchases from abroad. A 1.1 Billion Dollar bailout from the international monetary fund program has been delayed.
The Pakistani government expects the closures to save the cash strapped country about 62 Billion Pakistani Rupees which is about 273 Million US dollars.
