ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday approved new energy conservation measures under which markets, bazaars and shopping malls across most parts of Pakistan will close at 8pm from April 7.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by the prime minister to review rising petroleum consumption, electricity use and the government’s austerity plan. Officials said the move is aimed at reducing fuel imports and saving electricity as Pakistan faces increasing pressure from high global oil prices.
Under the new order, markets, shopping malls, departmental stores and shops dealing in daily-use items in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad Capital Territory, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir will now close at 8pm every day.
However, divisional headquarters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be allowed to keep markets and shopping centres open until 9pm because of local business activity and population needs. The federal government said the decision was made after consultation with the provincial administration.
The new market timing does not currently apply to Sindh. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, discussions with the Sindh government are still continuing and a separate decision on business hours in the province will be announced later.
The government has also introduced different closing times for food businesses. Restaurants, bakeries, tandoors and other food outlets will be allowed to operate until 10pm. Marriage halls and marquees will also close by 10pm, while late-night wedding functions at homes have been discouraged. Medical stores and pharmacies have been exempted from the new restrictions.
Officials said the latest energy saving plan is part of a broader national strategy to deal with the fuel crisis and reduce pressure on the economy. Pakistan has been affected by higher oil prices and increased import costs in recent weeks, prompting the government to announce several austerity measures.
The prime minister thanked provincial governments for supporting the plan and said energy conservation is necessary to protect the economy and reduce unnecessary spending.
