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

Pakistan is the world's biggest importer of tea — known locally as "chai" — with the latest government figures showing it pays over $734 million a year to bring in the commodity, mostly from Kenya. Source: AFP / EPA

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

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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.

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.

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