The federal government decided on Monday to enforce early closing times for markets and shopping malls. The move aims to conserve energy during the ongoing fuel crisis caused by the war in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting in Islamabad. All provinces, except Sindh, agreed on the new timings. These restrictions will come into effect from Tuesday, April 7.
Most areas to close shops at 8pm
Under the new rules, markets, shopping malls, and daily-use shops in Punjab, Balochistan, most parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir must close by 8pm. In KP’s divisional headquarters, markets can remain open until 9pm after consultation with the provincial government.
Bakeries, restaurants, tandoors, and food outlets will shut by 10pm. Marriage halls, marquees, and even wedding functions at private homes must end by 10pm. However, medical stores and pharmacies received full exemption from these timings.
The Prime Minister thanked the chief ministers of Punjab, KP, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan, along with the AJK prime minister, for supporting this national decision. He expressed hope that Sindh would also join after completing its consultations.
Sindh holds talks with business community
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah met representatives from the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and other trade bodies on Monday. He assured traders that the province would finalise market timings only after carefully reviewing their suggestions.
Shah acknowledged the tough economic situation facing the country. He stressed that all provinces must help conserve energy while protecting poor families from any extra burden.
The government introduced these austerity measures because the conflict has disrupted oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz and pushed fuel prices higher. As relief, the digital wallet subsidy for petroleum products continues, and many citizens have already received support.
This coordinated step aims to reduce electricity and fuel consumption across the country during these difficult times.
