Inflation is high around the world, including in Pakistan. The South Asian country has been facing serious economic difficulties for months, which has led to a rise in the prices of food, gas and oil. Faced with the scale of the crisis, the Pakistani government is urging citizens... to drink less tea.
This surprising announcement was made on June 14 by Ahsan Iqbal, Pakistan's Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, who urged citizens of the country to reduce their tea consumption by "one or two cups" a day in order to limit the country's imports. "The tea we import is imported by taking a loan," he argued at a press conference followed by CNN.
And the numbers appear to support his suggestion. Pakistan is the world's biggest importer of tea, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC). It spent more than $640 million on the humble beverage in 2020 -- that's six times more than France during the same period.
However, the economic and political crisis that the South Asian country is going through is pushing Islamabad to envisage drastic measures. Already weakened by Covid-19, Pakistan is experiencing record debt and inflation, as well as a fall in its currency against the dollar. In addition, there are threats of a popular uprising by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was ousted from his post on April 10 after a vote of no confidence by members of parliament.
Reverting to a five-day work week
Faced with the severity of the country's economic situation, the new Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has resolved to pursue a policy of austerity. He has already announced that Pakistani government employees will return to a five-day work week as part of his energy conservation plan (after having implemented a six-day work week for the public sector following his election).
Information Minister, Marriyum Aurangzeb says the radical move would save $386 million a year, reports the local newspaper Dawn. Pakistani officials will also be expected to limit their foreign travel as much as possible.
The call to reduce tea consumption is part of the austerity measures being taken by the Shehbaz Sharif government to curb the crisis. But it is far from being unanimously supported by the Pakistani people. According to CNN, many have mocked Ahsan Iqbal's plea on social networks, saying that drinking less tea would do nothing to help the country out of the crisis.
ETX Studio
Sun Jun 19 2022
Pakistan is the world's biggest importer of tea, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity - ETX Studio
What to watch for ahead of US presidential inauguration
Here's a timeline of events between now and inauguration day.
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.