Committee Approves Public Facilitation Measures
The government of Pakistan has decided to extend the closing time of standalone grocery and convenience stores to 10:00 PM every day.
The decision was taken to facilitate the general public while continuing the government’s broader austerity and fuel conservation policy.
The approval came during a meeting of the Committee for Monitoring and Implementation of Fuel Conservation and Additional Austerity Measures in Islamabad. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.
The committee reviewed several proposals submitted by different ministries and divisions. These proposals sought exemptions from existing austerity restrictions.
After reviewing the requests, the committee finalised its recommendations and approved changes aimed at balancing public convenience with fiscal discipline.
Officials said standalone grocery and convenience stores will now be allowed to remain open until 10:00 PM throughout the week.
The decision is expected to help citizens who need to buy essential items after work hours.
Austerity Measures Extended Until June 30
The committee also decided to extend the applicability of certain austerity measures until June 30, 2026.
These measures were earlier scheduled to expire on June 13.
Officials said the extension is part of continued efforts to control government spending, improve resource management and maintain fiscal discipline.
The government has been reviewing fuel conservation steps and other expenditure controls as part of its wider plan to reduce unnecessary costs across departments.
The committee said the revised approach is designed to support efficiency while allowing limited relaxations where public service delivery is affected.
In another facilitation step, consular attestation services at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its liaison offices will now remain open on Fridays as well.
These services will be available in Quetta, Karachi, Peshawar, Gujrat and Lahore.
Officials said the decision will help citizens who require document attestation for travel, employment, education and legal purposes.
Senate Returns Rs1.436 Billion to National Exchequer
Separately, the Senate of Pakistan has returned Rs1.436 billion to the national exchequer after implementing an austerity and expenditure rationalisation drive.
According to an official statement, the savings exceeded the target set by the Finance Division by 500 percent.
The returned amount accounted for 15.9 percent of the Senate’s total budget for fiscal year 2025-26.
The reforms began from the Chairman’s office and were later extended across the Senate Secretariat.
Officials said strict financial controls and efficiency measures helped achieve the savings.
The development has been presented as part of a wider government focus on reduced spending, improved discipline and better use of public funds.
Together, the extended grocery timings, Friday consular services and Senate savings reflect a policy mix of public facilitation and controlled expenditure.
The government says it will continue monitoring austerity measures while responding to essential public needs.
