Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday announced an energy conservation plan to tackle the trouble faced by the nation in recent times.

The government announced markets will now be closed at 8.30 pm and marriage halls at 10 pm to conserve energy in the country.

Asif addressed a press conference to announce the Cabinet decision.

The defence minister was quoted as saying by Geo News that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the concerned authorities to cut the usage of electricity by all departments of the federal government by 30%

He also ordered the officials against unnecessary consumption of electricity in the offices.

"The cabinet, on the recommendation of the power division, has allowed enforcing the energy-saving plan which will be applied to the entire country," said Asif.

He added that under the plan wedding halls will close at 10pm while markets will close at 8:30pm.