An energy conservation drive by Pakistani authorities has forced cricketer Shoaib Malik's family to switch off lights put up to decorate his house in his hometown of Sialkot following his wedding with Indian tennis star Sania Mirza.
Ahead of a reception scheduled to be held at Shoaib's house on Sunday, the Gujranwala Electric Supply Company raided it and asked his family to switch off decorative lights in accordance with the government’s recently launched energy conservation drive.
Upset by the development, Shoaib’s brother-in-law Imran Zafar contacted some top officials of the Punjab government but was told that there were strict instructions that no exceptions should be for anyone, irrespective of his or her position, while implementing the campaign to save power.
Shoaib's family removed the lights as a mark of protest.
"If the government wants us to celebrate the event in the dark, we will do," said an annoyed Zafar.
As part of a nationwide campaign to conserve electricity, the federal government has closed all its offices for two days a week and put in place several measures to curb the demand for energy.
Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police (Civil Lines Division, Lahore) Haider Ashraf told reporters that police will escort Shoaib and Sania on their journey to Sialkot.
{{/usCountry}}Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police (Civil Lines Division, Lahore) Haider Ashraf told reporters that police will escort Shoaib and Sania on their journey to Sialkot.
{{/usCountry}}He said a strict security protocol has been put in place for the couple in Lahore.