Markets, restaurants, and halls face strict timing limits
KARACHI: The Sindh government on Friday implemented revised operating hours for markets, restaurants, and marriage halls across the province as part of its austerity and energy conservation policy, issuing a notification with immediate effect.
Under the new rules, shops, markets, and shopping malls in all districts, except divisional headquarters, must close by 8pm. Meanwhile, businesses in divisional headquarters can operate until 9pm. Authorities have enforced these restrictions throughout the week, including weekends, to ensure consistent compliance.
In addition, restaurants and food outlets can now operate only during dinner hours, from 7pm to 11:30pm. تاہم, takeaway and home delivery services will continue without interruption, providing some flexibility for customers and businesses.
Marriage halls and banquet facilities will also follow strict guidelines, allowing events only between 8pm and midnight. Officials aim to reduce energy consumption while maintaining limited commercial activity.
Essential services exempt as authorities ensure enforcement
However, the government has exempted essential services from these restrictions. These include tandoors, milk and dairy shops, bakeries, medical stores, laboratories, clinics, hospitals, and petrol pumps, ensuring uninterrupted access to daily necessities.
Furthermore, the administration has directed commissioners and deputy commissioners to strictly enforce the new timings in coordination with Sindh Police. Officials have emphasized the importance of compliance to achieve energy-saving targets.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced nationwide austerity measures, including a four-day workweek for government offices and partial work-from-home policies. These steps aim to address potential economic challenges linked to ongoing regional tensions.
