“Drink less tea”, Pakistanis told as country struggles with economic crisis

Islamabad: Pakistanis are being urged to reduce the amount of tea they drink to save the country's fast depleting foreign exchange.

Sipping fewer cups a day would cut Pakistan's high import bills, BBC quoted senior Minister Ahsan Iqbal as saying.

Pakistan's foreign currency reserves have plunged and it now has just enough for less than two months of imports.

Pakistan is the world's largest importer of tea, buying more than $600 million worth 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," Iqbal said.

The government is under great pressure to cut high import costs and keep funds in the country.

Last month, Islamabad restricted the import of dozens of non-essential luxury items. (UNI)