Balochistan govt, traders agree on market timings to conserve electricity

QUETTA: The Balochistan government and representatives of the business community agreed on Monday to adopt austerity steps and energy-saving measures in view of mounting economic pressures on the country and the province linked to the war launched by the US and Israel against Iran.

The understanding was reached during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti. According to the details shared after the meeting, representatives of Anjuman-i-Tajran Balochistan, Central Anjuman-i-Tajran, the Quetta Chamber of Commerce, the Hotel and Restaurants Association, and the Wedding Hall Association expressed full support for the provincial government’s proposed business hours aimed at reducing electricity consumption.

Under the agreed plan, markets and shopping centres across Balochistan will close at 8pm. Wedding halls and restaurants in Quetta will shut by 11pm, while in the rest of the province they will close by 10pm.

Representatives of the business community described the government’s move as timely and said it was in the national interest. They also acknowledged the seriousness of the prevailing situation and assured the provincial administration of their full cooperation in implementing the agreed steps.

Chief Minister Bugti said the country and the wider region were passing through a serious situation that required effective action supported by national consensus. He also cautioned that challenges related to petroleum prices could lead to an energy crisis and stressed the importance of taking preventive measures in advance.

The traders’ representatives said they would play their part in protecting national interest by ensuring compliance with the new timings and related conservation measures. The meeting reflected a joint commitment by the provincial government and the business sector to pursue austerity, improve energy efficiency and support economic stability through mutual cooperation.

Agreed timings announced after meeting

The decision sets uniform closing hours for markets and shopping centres throughout the province, while separate timings were fixed for restaurants and wedding halls in Quetta and other districts. The measures were announced after consultations between the provincial government and organised trade bodies.

Both sides reaffirmed that they would continue working together on steps linked to austerity, efficient use of electricity and broader economic stability. The agreement comes as the provincial government seeks support from commercial stakeholders to manage energy use during a period of economic strain.