Government Orders Early Market Closures Nationwide to Save Energy
By Zeeshan Naseem :
Federal government has decided to shut markets and shopping malls by 20:00 across most parts of the country as part of a broader effort to reduce energy consumption and enforce austerity measures.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office. The meeting reviewed strategies related to energy conservation, the management of petroleum products and government spending controls.
Under the new policy, markets, bazaars and shopping malls in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir will close at 20:00. Authorities said the move forms part of a nationwide campaign to cut electricity use during peak evening hours.
An exception has been granted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where markets and commercial centres located in divisional headquarters will be permitted to remain open until 21:00 following consultations with the provincial administration.
Officials said the restrictions will also apply to general stores, departmental stores and all shopping malls. However, food-related businesses including bakeries, restaurants, tandoors and other eateries will be allowed to operate until 22:00.
The government has also imposed a new limit on wedding functions and other social gatherings at marriage halls, marquees and commercial venues, which must now conclude by 22:00. Private homes will also be subject to the same timing restriction for hosting weddings or similar events.
Medical stores and pharmacies have been exempted from the new rules.
Authorities confirmed that the measures will come into effect from 7 April.
While most regions have agreed to the plan, the Sindh government is still consulting stakeholders before making a final decision on revised business hours. Prime Minister Sharif expressed hope that Sindh would soon adopt similar measures as part of a coordinated national response.
In a separate announcement, the prime minister said public transport services in Gilgit city and Muzaffarabad would be made free for one month, with the federal government covering the cost.
The meeting also reviewed progress on a programme aimed at delivering petroleum subsidies through digital wallets. Officials said around 100,000 transactions had already been completed under the scheme.
Prime Minister Sharif thanked the chief ministers of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, as well as the leaders of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, for supporting the initiative. He said he expected Sindh’s leadership to join the policy after completing consultations with local stakeholders.
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