Pakistan enforces early market closures to conserve energy amid Mideast crisis

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting on Monday to review the implementation of energy conservation and austerity measures, focusing on petroleum consumption and efficiency, officials said.

The meeting decided that markets, shopping malls and commercial centers across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad Capital Territory, Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir will close at 8 p.m.

Divisional headquarters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be allowed to remain open until 9 p.m., according to the decision taken in consultation with provincial governments.

All shops, including those selling daily-use items and departmental stores, will follow the 8 p.m. closing time.

Bakeries, restaurants, tandoors and other food outlets will be permitted to operate until 10 p.m.

Marriage halls, marquees and other wedding venues will not be allowed to operate beyond 10 p.m. Wedding functions at private residences will also be restricted after 10 p.m.

Medical stores and pharmacies will be exempt from the new restrictions.

Officials said the measures will take effect from Tuesday.

The meeting was informed that consultations are ongoing with the Sindh provincial government on implementing similar market timings.

Officials also briefed participants that the federal government’s petroleum subsidy is being transferred through digital wallets, with more than 100,000 transactions completed so far.

Sharif appreciated the cooperation of the chief ministers of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir for reaching a consensus on what he described as nationally important measures.

He expressed hope that the Sindh government would finalize consultations soon and join the initiative.

The prime minister also announced that intra-city public transport in Gilgit and Muzaffarabad will remain free for one month. All related expenses will be borne by the federal government.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema and other senior officials.