Tonight, there won’t be midnight in Pakistan for a second time. But there will be chaos, at least it is said so. It has already started. Some people have already refused to advance their clocks. Some claim they cannot offer Maghrib prayers at 8 while others simply call it a political move.

For me, politics is the keyword here. In Pakistan, every move of government is seen in a political backdrop. The followers of one party may not accept the decision of a sitting government while readily agreeing to it if the government is their own.

It’s like moving from ‘Musharraf time’ to ‘Zardari time’, says a retired government official as Pakistan adopts Daylight Saving Time (DST) on June 1 and advances the clock by an hour.

The above statement is a prime example of foolishness and height of illiteracy.

With more than 80 countries around the world applying DST, there is no doubt in its effectiveness. On government’s part a fiery and effective campaign is needed to educate the people (at least those who are willing).

In a very serious discussion with me at the airport, a guy expressed his anger at the government for adopting Westernized Time.

The debate is completely futile considering the country is facing a 4000MW electricity shortfall. Every single Watt counts at this time. I’d even back the government had they decided to advance the clock by more hours!

As an alternative to DST, will the people in the major cities of Pakistan accept office hours starting at 7 instead of 9? I guess not. This luxury of waking up late and going to work even later will not be compromised by most.