Islamabad bans wedding ceremonies after 10 pm to save energy

The Pakistan government has banned wedding functions in the capital city Islamabad after 10 pm in an attempt to save energy. The country has been facing a worsening power crisis and implementing power cuts.

The Islamabad Police and city administration have been directed to strictly implement the ban by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. The Islamabad administration is instructed to take strict action against those who violate the new ban.

Sources also said only one dish will be allowed at the wedding functions in the capital. A notification will be issued on the new set of regulations soon.

Authorities have forced the federal cabinet to restore the Saturday holiday in government offices to curb the use of energy. By the end of June, the electricity load shedding is expected to come down to two hours a day, reported Geo News.

The power crisis has been affecting the country's economy as well. Many suspects that Pakistan may end up in a situation similar to Sri Lanka if the economy is not back in control. Large protests led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan are threatening the nation with political instability.

Prime Minister Sharif said on Tuesday that Pakistan did not have enough money to buy oil and gas. After finance minister Miftah Ismail talked of a possible price hike, fuel stations in Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad witnessed long queues of panic-stricken people. After several petrol pumps shut down, the ministry clarified there will be no further increase in fuel prices.

Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves are under severe stress and declined by USD 190 million to USD 10.308 billion during the week ended on May 6. Pakistan is expecting the IMF to restore a USD 6 billion package agreed on in 2019. The country has already received half the money and will soon get USD 1 billion loan tranche if the issues are sorted out.