Traditional ‘Lassi’ & ‘Sattu’ to replace Chai in Universities

Can local drinks take the place of Pakistan’s most popular pastime in universities, also known as ‘chai aur biscuit’ time?

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has proposed a few ideas for lowering the national import bill, which coincides with the federal government's restriction on a variety of non-essential and luxury goods, including Pakistan’s all-time favourite, tea, which we all know students and teachers alike tend to thoroughly enjoy throughout the day.

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has presented its proposal for lowering the national import bill, which coincides with the federal government's restriction on a variety of ‘non-essential’ and ‘luxury goods’.

The HEC has recommended encouraging the use of locally produced traditional drinks like ‘Lassi’ and ‘Sattu’, according to a recent letter that the Executive Director of HEC, Dr. Shaista Sohail, sent to all Vice-Chancellors and Rectors of public and private universities.

The document also indicates that it will result in future employment prospects and financial gain through the endeavour.

Additionally, the HEC has suggested focusing efforts on local tea production. The national import bill's expenditure on tea will be drastically reduced as compared to before. Similarly, the commission has called for a decrease in the import of fossil fuel and to instead direct attention towards the development of alternative energy resources as a replacement for said fuel which is used in vehicles.

Limiting imported edible oil is also another proposal presented by HEC, which emphasises the need to produce and manufacture local cooking oil rather than depending on foreign imports.