Sindh orders early market closures under austerity measures

KARACHI: The Sindh government on Friday issued a notification directing all shops, markets and shopping malls in Karachi and other divisional headquarters across the province to shut at 9pm on all days of the week, including Saturday and Sunday, as part of austerity measures and in line with the federal government’s decision.

According to the notification dated April 10, markets, shops and shopping malls located in districts other than divisional headquarters will close at 8pm.

The order, however, exempts several essential services and businesses. These include tandoors operating as standalone shops, milk and dairy outlets, bakeries, medical stores and pharmacies, medical laboratories, clinics and hospitals, as well as fuel stations.

The notification also sets operating hours for hotels, restaurants and food outlets for dinner service. These establishments will be allowed to function between 7pm and 11:30pm. There will be no restriction on takeaway and home delivery services.

In addition, the provincial government said all marriage halls, wedding venues and banquets across Sindh will be allowed to operate until 10:30pm.

The measures were announced as part of the province’s austerity plan and follow the federal government’s decision on energy-saving and cost-cutting steps.

The latest notification applies across Sindh, with separate closing times fixed for divisional headquarters and other districts. Karachi, as the provincial capital and one of the divisional headquarters, falls under the 9pm closure schedule.

The exemptions listed in the order cover businesses and services considered essential for daily public needs, including healthcare-related facilities and fuel supply points. Food-related businesses such as restaurants and hotels have been given a limited evening operating window for dine-in dinner service, while delivery and takeaway operations may continue without any time restriction under the notification.

The order further clarifies that the closure timings will remain in force throughout the week, specifically including weekends.

The notification was issued by the Sindh government on Friday and dated April 10.