Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal has caused an uproar on Twitter following his suggestion to fellow countrymen to cut down on chai consumption as part of the effort to reduce a rising import bill.
The appeal from the senior minister came after it emerged that the nation consumed tea worth Rs83.88 billion in the fiscal year 2021-22.
The federal budget document for the outgoing fiscal year showed that Pakistan imported Rs13 billion worth of more tea than the last fiscal year.
In the fiscal year 2020-21, Rs70.82 billion was spent on the import of tea, NNI reported.
The suggestion, however well-intentioned, did not go down well with the Pakistani populace, who have a strong love for the hot beverage, no matter the time of year.
Reham Khan, the former prime minister’s ex-wife, objected strongly to the suggestion. “First, half a roti and now we should reduce our tea consumption too?” she asked incredulously.