Regulating the metropolis: Markets, shops to close at 7pm

CM also wants wedding halls to close at 10pm, serve one dish from Nov 1

KARACHI: Modern Karachi begins with regulated timings for marriage halls, super markets and shops, according to Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. In a bid to improve day-to-day life, the chief minister (CM) has decided that weddings must wrap up at 10pm and serve only one dish.



After hinting the same at a recent meeting with businesspersons of Karachi, he announced this decision while presiding over a meeting at the CM House on Friday. According to Shah, weddings at halls, clubs and hotels start very late and continue late into the night and there is no limit to the number of dishes served. "My contention is very simple; start your event on time and complete it well in time," he explained.



The one dish to be served at weddings refers to rice, roti and naan with salad and a dessert. "This is an austerity programme and I am going to start with myself. I won't attend those functions where more than one dish is being served," he vowed.



By November 1, all marriage halls will be closed by 10pm, as per the CM's instructions. He directed the Karachi commissioner to speak to owners of marriage halls and convince them to adhere to the new rule. "This will not affect their business and is in the interest of everyone," he said.

Don't shop till you drop

Another momentous decision taken by the CM is to close all markets, shopping malls and shops by 7pm. "I have no problems with how early you open your markets or shops but the closing time is 7pm," he said, adding that again this will not adversely affect business and is an attempt to rationalise business hours.

Shah also directed the commissioner to hold meetings with malls and market associations and owners and convince them to implement the government's decision.



Shah said that when people considered his decision they would find many benefits of starting their working day earlier and finishing it in the evening. "This will save their personal energy, electricity, unnecessary rush on the roads and on top of this you would look fresh and feel fresh," he quipped.

He also directed Karachi AIG Mushtaq Maher to support the divisional and district administration of the city in the implementation of the decision.

Justifying his decisions, Shah said that markets in the rural areas open in the morning and close well in time. As far as the timing of marriage halls and the one-dish policy is concerned, he said it will be implemented across the province.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 15^th, 2016.