ISLAMABAD (MNN); The federal government on Monday decided that markets and shopping malls across the country, except in Sindh, will close by 8pm as part of a nationwide energy conservation initiative.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Under the new policy, markets in divisional headquarters of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be allowed to remain open until 9pm following consultations with the provincial government.
However, markets and shopping centres in the rest of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Balochistan, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir will strictly close at 8pm. Shops dealing in daily-use items and departmental stores will also follow the same closing time.
The meeting further decided that bakeries, restaurants, tandoors and other food outlets will close by 10pm. Marriage halls, marquees and similar venues hosting wedding ceremonies will also shut down by 10pm, while holding wedding events at private residences beyond this time will be restricted.
Medical stores and pharmacies have been exempted from these timing restrictions. The new schedule will come into effect from April 7 (Tuesday).
The decision follows similar announcements made a day earlier by the governments of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regarding business hours in their respective provinces.
According to the PM Office statement, the meeting reviewed fuel and energy conservation measures as well as austerity steps in light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The war, which began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, has disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — a key global oil route — leading to higher fuel prices and supply challenges.
The government also highlighted relief measures, including a digital wallet subsidy initiative, under which a transaction of Rs100,000 has already been made to support consumers purchasing petroleum products. Officials stated that such relief efforts would continue to ease the burden of rising fuel costs.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the chief ministers of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as the prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, for reaching a consensus on what he termed a matter of national importance. He expressed hope that Sindh would soon align with the decision after consultations with stakeholders.
The prime minister also announced that inter-city public transport services in Gilgit and Muzaffarabad would remain free for one month, with the federal government bearing all related expenses.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema and other senior officials.
Meanwhile, in Sindh, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah held consultations with representatives of the business community, including officials from the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry.
Murad Ali Shah emphasised the need for collective efforts in view of the country’s current situation, stating that energy conservation measures were necessary but should not disproportionately affect the poor. He assured traders that final decisions on market timings in Sindh would be taken after thorough consultation and review of their recommendations.
