In a bid to conserve energy, the cash-strapped Pakistan government has decided to ban wedding functions in Islamabad city after 10 pm, according to media reports on Wednesday. Pakistan, which is facing a worsening power crisis, has taken various steps to bring down the consumption of electricity to cut load shedding, will now ban wedding functions after 10pm in Islamabad with effect from June 8, Geo News reported.

The power crisis, which has also affected Pakistan’s economy, has forced the federal cabinet to restore the Saturday holiday in government offices to curb the use of energy and gradually bring down load shedding to two hours a day by the end of June.

The Daily Times newspaper quoting sources, reported that the restriction on wedding functions in the capital is being implemented on the instructions of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

The Islamabad police and the city administration have been directed to strictly implement the ban, the sources said. The sources said that in case of violation, strict action will be taken by the Islamabad administration. Geo News also reported that only one dish will be allowed at the wedding functions in the capital.

With the economy in tatters and political instability looming large because of Imran Khan’s protest marches, there is increasing threat of Pakistan going the Sri Lankan way if quick measures are not taken.