ISLAMABAD: The federal government has introduced new restrictions on commercial operating hours across the country as part of broader energy-saving and austerity measures aimed at reducing petroleum consumption.
The decision was finalized in a high-level review meeting held in Islamabad, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where officials discussed strategies to curb energy usage and improve efficiency in public and private sectors.
Under the new policy, markets, shopping malls and commercial areas will close at 8 PM in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad Capital Territory, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. However, in divisional headquarters of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, markets and malls will remain open until 9 PM following consultations with the provincial government.
All general stores, departmental stores, and shopping malls are required to shut by 8 PM, while food-related businesses including bakeries, restaurants, tandoors, and similar outlets will be allowed to operate until 10 PM. Marriage halls, marquees, and other venues hosting wedding events will also be permitted to function until 10 PM.
The government has further imposed a ban on wedding ceremonies held after 10 PM in private residences and properties. Medical stores and pharmacies have been exempted from these restrictions to ensure the availability of essential services.
The new timings will come into effect from tomorrow, while consultations regarding similar arrangements in Sindh province are still ongoing.
During the meeting, officials briefed that the federal government’s subsidy on petroleum products is being distributed through digital wallets, with approximately 100,000 transactions already completed.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the consensus reached by the provincial and regional leadership, including the chief ministers of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and expressed hope that Sindh would join the initiative after consultations conclude.
He also announced that intra-city public transport in Gilgit and Muzaffarabad will remain free for one month, with the federal government bearing the full cost.
