ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s southern Sindh province on Friday ordered early closure of businesses to conserve energy, in line with the fuel-saving measures announced by the federal government.
Pakistan’s government announced the measures on April 6 after weeks of the United States-Israeli war on Iran and Tehran’s counterattacks in the Gulf widely disrupted energy and cargo through the Strait of Hormuz, surging global oil and gas prices.
The Government of Sindh, which previously did not announce any corresponding measures, on Friday said it was restricting business hours in the province till 8pm, while shops and markets in divisional headquarters could stay open till 9pm throughout the week.
“Tandoors (as standalone shops), milk/dairy shops, bakeries, medical stores/pharmacies, medical laboratories/clinics/hospitals and fuel pumps shall remain exempted from this order,” the provincial home department said in a notification.
“All Hotels, Restaurants and Food Outlets shall operate/remain open between 07:00 PM and 11:30 PM (Dinner timings). However, there shall be no restriction on home delivery and takeaway service.”
The measures aimed to reduce energy consumption, control electricity production costs, and safeguard lower-income segments of the population from higher fuel prices in Pakistan, which imports most of its energy needs.
Similarly, wedding halls and banquets in Sindh will operate between 8pm to 12am, according to the notification. Local administration officials, with support from the Sindh police, have been tasked with implementation of these measures in their respective areas.
Pakistan last month also announced austerity measures, including a four-day work week, slashing of fuel quota for government vehicles, shifting of classes of higher education institutions online and establishing an austerity fund.
