Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved revised closing timings for markets, shopping malls, restaurants and other commercial establishments across the country, according to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division.
Image: Pakistan Today
Under the new schedule, all shops, markets and shopping malls will close at 9:00pm, while marriage halls, marquees and commercial centres will be required to shut down by 10:00pm. Restaurants, hotels and vegetable markets will be allowed to operate until 11:00pm.
The new restrictions will not apply to medical stores, IT companies, tandoors, gymnasiums and petrol stations, which have been exempted from the revised timings.
The decision follows a meeting of the Committee for Monitoring and Implementation of Austerity Measures, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The committee reviewed energy conservation measures and operating hours in light of longer summer days and rising temperatures.
The federal government had introduced wide-ranging austerity measures in March following concerns over the global energy situation linked to tensions in the Middle East and disruptions in regional energy supplies.
Authorities have also directed provincial governments to ensure effective implementation of the revised business timings in coordination with federal agencies.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended the nationwide austerity campaign until June 13, with measures including a 50 percent reduction in fuel allowances for official vehicles, except for essential operational services such as ambulances and public transport.
