Govt announces early closure of shops, marriage halls, eateries
In view of the energy crisis in the country and in the larger public interest, the Sindh government has announced early closure of markets and marriage halls for the next one month.
According to a notification issued by the Sindh government, all the markets, bazaars, shops, departmental stores and shopping malls shall be closed by 9pm.
The notification said there was exception for healthcare facilities and pharmacies, and ambulance services.
Filling stations, tyre shops, bus terminals are also exemptd from the 9pm deadline, it said.
Similarly, bakeries, milk shops, all IT companies, call centres, courier services, factories, and service areas on motorways, roadside shops on highways are exempted from the early closure deadine.
The notification said that marriage halls, banquets and marriage functions shall be closed by 10:30pm. All the hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, cafes, clubs, gym, cinemas, theatres, circus and other entertainment shall close by 11:30 pm.
As per the Sindh government, prevalent power outages and in order to prevent the adverse impacts of the anticipated energy crisis in Pakistan there is an urgent need to take the effective measures for the conservation of energy.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 20th, 2022.