Shops, malls to close at 9pm; restaurants allowed until 11pm as provinces urged to ensure compliance
Image:Global Times
The federal government has issued new austerity measures directing revised business operating hours across the country as part of ongoing fuel conservation efforts.
Under the notification, shops, markets, malls and retail outlets will close at 9pm, while restaurants, cafes and eateries may remain open until 11pm.
Ishaq Dar chaired the committee meeting that approved the revised schedule aimed at reducing energy consumption.
Marriage halls will continue to close at 10pm under existing rules, with no change to current timings.
Essential services including pharmacies, hospitals, fuel stations, and telecom services remain exempt from the restrictions.
Takeaway and delivery services have also been excluded from the new closing-hour limits.
The government has asked provincial administrations to enforce the revised timings in coordination with federal authorities.
