Markets to close at 8pm nationwide as new energy conservation measures take effect

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday chaired a high-level review meeting on petroleum pricing, energy conservation and austerity measures, approving a major decision to close markets and commercial centres at 8pm across most parts of the country.

According to decisions taken in the meeting, bazaars, markets and shopping malls in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad Capital Territory, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir will shut down at 8pm daily starting April 7. The decision was made in consultation with the provincial governments.

An exception has been granted in divisional headquarters of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where markets will be allowed to remain open until 9pm.

The directive applies broadly to shops selling daily necessities, department stores and all types of malls, which will also be required to close at 8pm. However, medical stores and pharmacies will remain exempt from these restrictions.

Additional measures were announced for the food and events sector. Bakeries, restaurants, tandoors and other food outlets will close at 10pm, while marriage halls, marquees and similar venues will not be allowed to operate beyond 10pm. A ban has also been imposed on holding wedding ceremonies after 10pm in homes and other private properties.

During the meeting, it was noted that consultations are ongoing with the Sindh government regarding implementation of similar market timings in the province. The prime minister expressed the hope that Sindh would soon join the decision after completing its consultation process.

The meeting was informed that the government’s initiative to transfer petroleum subsidies through digital wallets is underway, with 100,000 transactions already completed.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked the chief ministers of participating regions for their cooperation in reaching a unanimous decision on key national matters. He also announced that intercity public transport in Gilgit and Muzaffarabad will be made free for one month, with expenses to 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.