Islamabad: The government has mandated the closure of markets, shopping malls, and commercial areas at 8 PM across various regions, including Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad Capital Territory, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. This decision emerged from a review meeting chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, focusing on energy-saving and austerity measures concerning petroleum products.
According to Radio Pakistan, the meeting concluded that in consultation with the provincial government, markets and shopping malls in the Divisional Headquarters of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will remain open until 9 PM. In contrast, all general stores, departmental stores, and various types of malls must adhere to the 8 PM closure. Furthermore, bakeries, restaurants, tandoors, and other food-related shops, as well as marriage halls and other commercial venues for weddings, will close after 10 PM. A ban was also decided on hosting wedding events after 10 PM in private properties and houses. Medical stores and pharmacies are exempt from these restrictions.
These measures are set to take effect on Tuesday. Discussions regarding market hours and related issues in the Sindh province are ongoing. The meeting highlighted the federal government's disbursement of petroleum product subsidies through digital wallets, with one hundred thousand transactions completed so far.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude towards the Chief Ministers of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir for achieving consensus on these national matters. He also hoped for the Chief Minister of Sindh to join the decision post-consultations. Additionally, he announced that intra-city public transport in Gilgit and Muzaffarabad will be free for one month, with the federal government covering all costs.
The meeting saw participation from Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, and other senior officials.