ISLAMABAD: The government has resolved to enforce an 8 PM closure for markets, shopping malls, and commercial areas across several provinces and regions, including Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, the Islamabad Capital Territory, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, as part of a broader initiative aimed at energy conservation and austerity.

According to Radio Pakistan, the decision emerged from a review meeting in Islamabad led by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, which concentrated on implementing energy-saving measures concerning petroleum products. In coordination with the provincial government, it was decided that markets and shopping malls in the Divisional Headquarters of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would stay open until 9 PM. General stores, departmental stores, and malls will uniformly close by 8 PM, while bakeries, restaurants, and other food-related establishments, alongside marriage halls and similar venues, are mandated to close after 10 PM.

The restrictions do not apply to medical stores and pharmacies, which are exempt. The meeting also imposed a ban on wedding events in private properties and homes after 10 PM. These measures are set to commence on Tuesday. Discussions about market hours in Sindh are ongoing, and the Prime Minister expressed optimism about the province’s eventual participation.

During the meeting, it was also revealed that the federal government’s subsidy on petroleum products is being distributed via digital wallets, with 100,000 transactions completed to date. Prime Minister Sharif extended gratitude to the Chief Ministers of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir for their agreement on these national matters. Additionally, he announced that intra-city public transport will be offered free of charge for one month in Gilgit and Muzaffarabad, with costs covered by the federal government.

The meeting saw participation from Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, and other senior officials.