"Cut Down on Tea Consumption" – Odd Statement from a Pakistani Minister

A wave of anger and mockery has swept through Pakistan after Planning and Development Minister Ehsan Iqbal urged the population to reduce their daily tea consumption by one or two cups to help preserve the country's economy amidst rising inflation and a collapsing national currency. The minister's statement faced local and international condemnation and ridicule, with some calling for him to keep his advice to himself and suggesting that he should find a comprehensive solution to the economic crisis or hand over power to a capable government. Others viewed tea as a staple drink for the poor in Pakistan and argued that authorities should target the wealthy instead of the impoverished. This unusual suggestion led the minister to justify his stance by citing the country's annual spending on tea compared to other nations, revealing that Pakistan spends over $600 million a year on tea, with consumption exceeding 220,000 tons annually, equating to roughly 3,000 cups consumed every second. Tea is not only a popular drink but also a long-held tradition that is not easily altered!