THE government is trying its best to cope up with the power shortage by introducing power-saving measures such as two days off a week, early closing of markets and shopping centres, replacing ordinary electric bulbs with energy savers and restrictions on lighting and commercial signs.

However, yet another huge source of power consumption has escaped its attention either by design or by default. It is television sets.

According to Pakistan’s statistical database, 55 per cent of the houses in Pakistan have television sets.

As such there are about 15 million sets and on an average a 19-inch direct view analogue TV set consumes about 130 watts an hour, which comes to a total of 1,950 mega watt an hour.

When a commodity is in short supply, its rationing is warranted in the national interest.

Why not ration TV transmissions to six hours a day — from 4pm to 10pm — which will, apart from saving huge amount of badly needed electricity, also provide our children with the patriotic viewing of the fluttering national flag and listening to the national anthem at the close of the TV transmission every day like the days bygone?

I know the media kings, earning billions in an hour, will raise a hue and cry but can’t they make a little sacrifice for the national cause?

R.J. Rawalpindi