LAKKI MARWAT: In order to implement the government’s energy conservation measures, the district administration has asked the traders, hoteliers and owners of wedding halls to shut their businesses at 10pm.

Lakki Marwat assistant commissioner Tariq Mehmood issued the instructions in this regard, saying the implementation of energy conservation policy would help reduce the duration of electricity loadshedding.

He said the administration would ensure all bazaars and markets were closed in Lakki, Naurang and other towns of the district at the stipulated time. “On the instructions of deputy commissioner Fazal Akbar, the administration officials will ensure closure of bazaars, markets, hotels, restaurants and wedding halls in their respective areas at the given time,” he maintained.

The official warned that the violators would face legal action, including heavy fines and imprisonment.

On the other hand, local residents have expressed wonder over the government’s decision to implement the energy conservation plan in remote and backward districts like Lakki Marwat.

A resident said almost all parts of the district had already been facing prolonged outages. He claimed residents of Lakki city suffered power outage from 7am to 7pm daily.

“Other parts of the district, especially rural areas, are also hit hard by excessive electricity outages,” said another resident.

He said instead of taking notice of long power suspensions, the government was bent upon bringing businesses to a halt in backward areas.

The residents asked the government to reconsider its decision, and exempt the remote districts, including Lakki Marwat, from it.

Published in Dawn, January 30th, 2023