To fix energy crisis, Pak shortens work week, bans weddings after 10pm

Pakistan is fighting an energy crisis and its people have experienced hours-long power cuts over the past month. More than one factor has been seen as contributing to the current situation – including soaring global fuel prices, local currency hitting record lows (against the dollar), and rising temperature leading to increasing power demand – and forcing the Shehbaz Sharif-led administration to take energy-saving measures to help the country.

Here’s a lowdown of steps taken to help Pak out of the power crisis:

> Pakistan has ended its six-day work-week for government employees, Bloomberg said. The decision to work a sixth day – Saturday – was taken by prime minister Sherif to increase productivity but has backfired as it struggles to deal with the increased electricity and fuel demands.