Karachi, Pakistan – Web Desk: Pakistan has decided to enforce early closure of markets, shopping malls, and commercial centers nationwide by 8:00 PM, effective April 7, as part of energy conservation and austerity measures approved in a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
According to official details, the decision will apply across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. However, divisional headquarters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be allowed to keep markets and malls open until 9:00 PM in consultation with the provincial government.
Essential services, including medical stores and pharmacies, will remain exempt from these restrictions. Grocery shops, department stores, and all types of retail outlets will close by 8:00 PM, while restaurants, bakeries, tandoors, and food outlets will operate until 10:00 PM.
Marriage halls, marquees, and other commercial venues hosting wedding events will close by 10:00 PM. The government has also imposed a ban on hosting wedding ceremonies in private homes after 10:00 PM.
Officials said consultations are ongoing in Sindh regarding the implementation timeline. Meanwhile, the federal government continues to transfer fuel subsidies through digital wallets, with over 100,000 transactions already completed.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked provincial governments, including Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, for reaching a consensus on these measures, expressing hope that Sindh will soon join the initiative.
Additionally, intra-city public transport in Gilgit and Muzaffarabad will remain free for one month, with costs covered by the federal government.
