The Punjab government has rejected the federation’s energy conservation plan that stipulates closing markets by 8 pm, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.  

Punjab Senior Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal said such decisions will burden the people and increase unemployment in the province. 

“The federal government did not consult the provincial government before taking this decision.”

Mian Aslam Iqbal said that the federal government should adopt an austerity plan for itself instead of trickling down the burden on the poor. “Forcing markets closures by 8 pm in Punjab on the pretext of energy-saving is not fair under any circumstances,” he added. 

 “Punjab government will decide to close the shops at 8 pm itself.”

In this regard, all stakeholders should be consulted and after discussion, the matter will be taken to the cabinet, added Iqbal. 

The minister said that the Punjab government cannot accept the decisions of the imported government.