Sindh announces early closure of markets, malls under austerity measures

Essential services, including medical stores, hospitals and petrol pumps exempted from restrictions

KARACHI:

The Sindh government announced new operating hours for markets, restaurants, and wedding halls on Friday under austerity measures aimed at coping with the fuel crisis amid tensions in the Middle East, according to a notification issued by the home department.

Earlier this week, the federal government decided to close markets and shopping malls across Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Balochistan, Islamabad Capital Territory, Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir by 8pm.

The decision was made during a key review meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which focused on energy-saving strategies, petroleum products, and austerity initiatives. However, Sindh did not align with the federal government’s decision.

Also Read: Soaring costs, fuel shortage fears drive Pakistan to electric motorbikes

The notification issued today stated, "Under the new rules, shops, markets, and shopping malls across all districts — except divisional headquarters — will close at 8pm throughout the week, while in divisional headquarters, businesses will be allowed to remain open until 9pm."

The notification also mentioned that essential services, including bakeries, milk and dairy shops, medical stores, laboratories, clinics, hospitals, and petrol stations, would be exempt from the restrictions.

"Hotels, restaurants, and food outlets will be permitted to operate for dinner service only between 7pm and 11:30pm, while home delivery and takeaway services will remain unaffected. Wedding halls and banquet facilities will be allowed to host events between 8pm and midnight," the notification added.

It further stated that the provincial government had directed commissioners and deputy commissioners to ensure strict enforcement of the new timings in coordination with the police.

Read more: PM orders LPG supply at official rates

Last week, in response to surging petrol prices and the ongoing energy crisis, the Sindh government announced a monthly subsidy of Rs2,000 for registered motorcyclists across the province.

Other provincial governments had also begun submitting data on eligible beneficiaries for targeted subsidy programmes, and following verification, subsidies were being distributed through a transparent digital system.

Since the US and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran on February 28, causing Iran to effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, a route for ​about a fifth of global oil and LNG flows. The six-week conflict had sent oil prices soaring, reignited inflation fears and thrown the global rates outlook into disarray, forcing governments and companies to scramble for cover against a sudden energy shock.