People in Pakistan urged to drink fewer cups of tea

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People in Pakistan have been told to reduce the amount of tea they consume.

Ahsan Iqbal said it would cut Pakistan's high import bill.

Pakistan imported more than half a billion dollars of tea last year.

"I appeal to the nation to cut down the consumption of tea by one to two cups because we import tea on loan," Mr Iqbal was quoted as saying.

He said that business traders could close their stalls at the same time to save electricity.

Pakistan's foreign currency reserves are falling rapidly, putting pressure on the government to cut high import costs and keep money in the country.

The country's serious financial problems can't be solved by cutting out tea, according to many on social media.

Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves fell to less than $10 billion in the first week of June, barely enough to cover its imports.

In order to protect funds, officials in Karachi restricted the import of dozens of non- essential luxury items.

The economic crisis is a big test for the government of Shehbaz Sharif, who replaced Imran Khan as Pakistan's prime minister in April.

After being sworn in, Mr Sharif accused the outgoing government of mismanaging the economy and said it would be difficult to put it back on track.

A new $47 billion budget was unveiled by his cabinet last week in order to convince the International Monetary Fund to restart a $6 billion rescue programme.

The economic crisis caused by low foreign currency reserve supplies and years of stagnant growth led to the negotiation of a deal with the International Monetary Fund.