The federal government has announced early closing hours for markets and shopping centers across Pakistan, excluding Sindh, as part of energy-saving and austerity measures.
A high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reviewed policies on petroleum product conservation, energy efficiency, and cost-saving initiatives.
Following the meeting, it was decided that markets, shopping malls, and commercial centers in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan, Islamabad Capital Territory, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir will close by 8 PM.
For KP, divisional headquarters markets and malls will remain open until 9 PM, in consultation with the provincial government. Essential goods stores, departmental stores, and all other retail outlets will follow the 8 PM closure rule.
Bakeries, restaurants, tandoors, and other food outlets will close by 10 PM, and marriage halls, marketplaces, and other commercial venues hosting weddings will also adhere to a 10 PM curfew. Private residences will not be allowed to hold wedding celebrations after 10 PM.
Medical stores and pharmacies are exempt from these restrictions. All measures will take effect from April 7, 2026.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the Sindh government is still in consultation with stakeholders regarding market operating hours and is expected to align with the federal decision soon.
Additionally, as part of a subsidy initiative for petroleum products, the federal government has transferred assistance digitally, completing over 100,000 transactions.
PM Shehbaz Sharif praised the chief ministers of Punjab, KP, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu & Kashmir for reaching consensus on these measures of national importance.
He also announced that intercity public transport in Gilgit and Muzaffarabad will be free for one month, with the federal government covering all costs.
The meeting was attended by Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, and other senior officials.
