The federal government has reintroduced austerity measures to conserve fuel amid the ongoing energy crisis and heightened tensions in the Middle East.
Under the latest directives, shops, markets, shopping malls, bazaars and retail stores will close by 9pm every day. Restaurants, cafés, eateries and other food outlets will be allowed to remain open until 11pm.
Marriage halls, marquees and other commercial venues hosting festive events will have to close by 10pm. However, takeaway and home-delivery services will remain exempt from the restaurant closing-time restriction.
The government has also retained exemptions for essential services, including pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, medical laboratories, bakeries, tandoors, milk and dairy shops, fuel and CNG stations, electric-vehicle charging stations, gyms, sports facilities, IT companies and call centres.
The measures are part of a broader fuel-conservation and austerity drive as international energy disruptions have increased pressure on Pakistan’s fuel and energy supplies. Reuters reported on September 17 that the regional energy crisis has pushed Asian LNG prices sharply higher and increased concerns over Pakistan’s winter gas supplies.
The government has also encouraged provincial and regional authorities to consider adopting similar measures. The latest notification says the existing business closing timings will continue to apply.
