A Pakistani minister has caused "a storm in a teacup" by urging citizens to cut back on drinking "chai"

Pakistan's Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal urged citizens to stop drinking "tea" to save on foreign exchange reserves used to pay off debts but Mr Iqbal's comments prompted outrage on social media, in tea rooms and cafes across the country. Some supported minister's call but many argued and posted humorous memes and opposing comments on social media.

The latest government figures showing that Pakistan pays over $734 million/year to import tea, making one of the biggest tea importers in the world. Source: AFP, EPA

Pakistan is the world's biggest importer of tea with the latest government figures showing it pays over $515 million a year to bring in the commodity, mostly from Kenya.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chairs the meeting of National Economic Council in Islamabad. Source: cabinet.gov.pk

Source Source: AFP, SBS

---

'Hot tea': Pakistani tea seller becomes internet sensation

---

  Read more here

• Listen to our Urdu podcasts on Spotify Podcast, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Stitcher Podcast
  
  
• Learn How to Bookmark SBS URDU's website or make it your home page.
  
  
• SBS Urdu is broadcast every Wednesday and Sunday at 6 PM (AEST).
  
  
• How to Listen
  
  

• Install “SBS Radio” mobile app