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Tea time in Islamabad
Photo: AAMIR QURESHI / AFP
Less tea consumption – the planning minister of Pakistan has called on the people of the country to do this.
He received sharp criticism for his suggestion, the South Asian country has a strong tea culture.
"I appeal to the nation to reduce tea consumption by one or two cups a day, because we also borrow money for tea imports," said Minister Ahsan Iqbal in the capital, Islamabad.
Pakistan is currently suffering from a financial crisis.
The new government under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif faces major challenges in combating rising food prices and inflation.
On Tuesday, Pakistan's currency fell to an all-time low amid doubts over stalled International Monetary Fund lending and widening budget deficits.
In Pakistan, tea is one of the five most important foods that the South Asian country imports.
People on social media joked the comments could lead to a civil war.
ani/dpa