The minister made the statement in the wake of reports that Pakistan had consumed $ 83.88 billion ($ 400 million) worth of tea in the last financial year. The minister said Pakistan was one of the largest importers of tea in the world and had to incur debt. “I urge the country to reduce tea consumption by 1-2 cups as we have to borrow for tea imports,” he said.
The budget document reveals that Pakistan imported 13 billion (USD 60 million) worth of tea more than the previous financial year. The News Network International news agency reported that 70.82 billion (USD 340 million) was spent on tea imports in the 2020-21 financial year.
Meanwhile, the minister’s statement has drawn sharp criticism on social media. Did Ahsan Iqbal really ask the country to reduce Chai? Have you asked us for it? Do we really think we are so stupid? Said the netizen indignantly. “Ahsan Iqbal asked the country to reduce chai. Sorry, but I will not be a part of this,” another netizen tweeted.
Meanwhile, the minister ordered the closure of commercial complexes by 8.30 pm as the power crisis intensified. This will help reduce energy consumption and reduce the burden of import bills for petro products. Pakistan’s Finance Minister Miftah Ismail recently warned that the Sri Lankan situation in the country would escalate if tough decisions were not taken.
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