Business Recorder
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired on Monday a high-level meeting to review petroleum consumption, energy conservation, and austerity measures, resulting in major decisions affecting business hours and public activities across the country. According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), markets, bazaars, and shopping malls in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan, Islamabad Capital Territory, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir will now close at 8pm starting April 7. However, divisional headquarters in KP will be allowed extended hours until 9pm. Consultations were still ongoing regarding the timings in Sindh, the PMO said. The government has moved to shorten market hours as part of its austerity measures aimed at conserving energy amid rising fuel costs linked to the Iran conflict. Also read: Trump says Tuesday deadline to make a deal with Iran is final “The decision, taken in consultation with provincial governments, also applies to departmental stores and shops dealing in daily-use items. Meanwhile, restaurants, bakeries, tandoors, and other food outlets will be required to shut down by 10pm,” the PMO said. Marriage halls, marquees, and other commercial venues will not be allowed to operate after 10pm, while wedding functions at private homes will also be prohibited beyond that time. Medical stores and pharmacies have been exempted from these restrictions. The PMO confirmed that the new measures would come into effect from April 7 as part of a broader strategy to reduce energy consumption and manage fuel costs. The meeting was informed that the government had already initiated the transfer of petroleum subsidies through digital wallets, with over 100,000 transactions completed so far. “PM Shehbaz thanked the provincial leaderships for reaching a consensus on these measures, calling them crucial for national interest. He also expressed hope that Sindh, where consultations are still ongoing, will soon adopt similar policies.” Additionally, the prime minister announced that intercity public transport in Gilgit and Muzaffarabad would be free for one month, with the federal government covering all costs.
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