Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso on Wednesday decided to impose a ban on the use of air conditioners in all government departments and offices from May 15 onwards.

The ban shall continue till such time that there is substantial improvement in the energy situation in the country. The prime minister house has already discontinued use of air conditioners as part of its austerity and conservation drive.

The measure reflects the resolve of the government to manage the power crisis by management of demand. The prime minister further directed introduction of a summer dress code for the federal government employees with a view to facilitate them in their work places after a ban on air conditioners is imposed.

The dress code includes white or light coloured (beige, light gray, sky blue, off-white, cream) shirt/bush shirt (full-sleeved or half sleeved) with a light coloured (as prescribed for shirt) trouser or shalwar kameez along with a waist coat. Moccasins (shoes without laces) or sandals (shoes with straps) without socks could also be worn.

All public servants have been given seven days for preparations and have been directed to observe the dress code.

The prime minister expressed hope that provincial governments, private institutions and general public will cooperate with the government on energy conservation.

The prime minister appealed to the people to adopt energy conservation practices in their homes and workplace to minimise load shedding and encourage a culture of energy conservation in the country.