ISLAMABAD: The provincial governments in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan and northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provinces on Sunday ordered all markets, shopping centers and wedding halls to close early to conserve energy.
A copy of the Balochistan Home Department’s order seen by Arab News directed shopping centers and markets to close by 8:00 p.m. except for pharmacies and tandoors. The order said all wedding and banquet halls should close by 10:00 p.m. while all wedding ceremonies, including those being held in hotels and restaurants, should conclude by that time as well.
The order also directed hotels and restaurants in the province to close by 10:00 p.m.
“District administration and law enforcement agencies shall ensure strict implementation of the above measures,” a copy of the order seen by Arab News said.
“Any violation shall be dealt with in accordance with relevant laws.”
The order clarified that the measures are aimed at reducing energy consumption, controlling electricity production costs, and safeguarding lower-income segments of the population from higher fuel prices.
Separately, the KP government also announced early closure of markets, restaurants and wedding halls to ensure prudent use of energy, the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said. It said theses measures will come into effect from Monday, Apr. 6.
As per the state-run media, all markets, shopping plazas, commercial centers and night sports activities in KP’s divisional headquarters will be closed by 9:00 p.m. However, markets, shopping plazas and commercial activities in other districts have been ordered to wind up by 8:00 p.m.
All restaurants, cafes and food outlets will be closed by 10:00 p.m. in the northwestern province, APP reported, adding that home delivery and takeaway services may continue beyond that time.
“Wedding halls, marquees, event halls and other functions will be closed by 10:00 p.m.,” the state media said.
RELIEF MEASURES
Pakistan’s government last week announced a multi-level relief to protect consumers from increased fuel costs, rolling out free transport, fare freezes and targeted subsidies for the masses.
The relief measures were announced after two major fuel price increases within a short span of time pushed the prices of petrol to Rs458.41 and diesel to Rs520.35 per liter, before Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a Rs80 cut in petrol levy on Friday.
The federal government has announced targeted subsidies for transporters, including financial support for passenger buses and freight trucks, to prevent a spike in fares and logistics costs.
Fuel prices have risen sharply as the US-Israel war on Iran continues, with Irani forces maintaining a tight grip on the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane — a vital conduit for oil and gas — and striking economic targets in Gulf countries that Tehran claims are linked to the US-Israeli war effort.
