Islamabad: In a bid to conserve energy amid rising fuel prices and global supply disruptions, the government has decided to implement early closing hours for markets and shopping malls across Pakistan, except in Sindh.
The decision was announced on Monday following a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, according to a statement from the PM’s Office.
Markets in divisional headquarters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) will remain open until 9 PM, while all other markets in KP, Punjab, Balochistan, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir will close by 8 PM. Shops selling daily-use items and departmental stores are also included in this directive.
The decision follows announcements by the Balochistan and KP governments regarding business hours for their provinces, aligning with the national directive.
The PMO statement highlighted that the measures are part of fuel- and energy-conservation strategies, amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route, have contributed to rising fuel prices and supply issues.
The government said consultations are ongoing regarding market timings in Sindh. Citizens are advised to adjust their shopping plans accordingly.
