Sindh markets to shut by 9pm
Business community from all seven districts of the region observed complete strike; call made at APC. PHOTO: PPI/FILE
The Sindh government has announced to limit the operating hours of markets and shopping malls by 9:00 pm in order to converse the electricity during the ongoing energy crisis.
The provincial government has also announced that the wedding halls will be closed by 10:30, while restaurants, hotels, coffee shops and cafes by 11:00pm.
The notification issued on Friday by the Home Department stated that all markets, shops and shopping malls will have to close by 9:00 pm.
It also clarified that the medical stores, pharmacies, hospitals, petrol pumps, CNG stations, bakeries and milk shops will be exempted from the restriction.
The order will remain in effect immediately by 5:00pm, June 17 to July 16, the notification said.
The official notification also stated that the crisis had prompted the provincial government to invoke sections of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Act 2010 and issue an order to reduce operational hours of shops and restaurants. It stated that the energy shortfall in the country requires an immediate and strict control.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 18th, 2022.