PM Shehbaz orders early market closures nationwide to save energy

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review the implementation of measures related to petroleum pricing, energy conservation and austerity, approving sweeping steps to curb energy consumption across the country.

The meeting decided that bazaars, markets and shopping malls in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad Capital Territory, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir will close at 8pm, effective April 7. However, divisional headquarters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be allowed to keep markets open until 9pm in consultation with the provincial government.

Under the new directives, shops dealing in essential items and departmental stores will also shut at 8pm, while restaurants, bakeries, tandoors and other food outlets will close at 10pm. Marriage halls, marquees and other wedding venues will not be allowed to operate beyond 10pm, and a ban has been imposed on holding wedding ceremonies after that time even in private homes.

Medical stores and pharmacies have been exempted from the restrictions to ensure uninterrupted access to healthcare services.

Officials briefed the meeting that efforts are underway to shift petroleum subsidies to a targeted system through digital wallets, with around 100,000 transactions already completed. The move is aimed at ensuring transparency and directing relief to deserving segments while reducing fiscal burden.

The prime minister appreciated the cooperation of provincial governments in reaching a consensus on energy-saving measures, describing the steps as vital for national economic stability. He expressed hope that the Sindh government, currently consulting stakeholders, would soon align with the decision.

As part of relief measures, the government also announced free intercity public transport for one month in Gilgit and Muzaffarabad, with expenses to be borne by the federal government.

The meeting was attended by Ishaq Dar, Ahad Khan Cheema and other senior officials, who reviewed progress on austerity measures aimed at reducing energy consumption and stabilising the economy.