People walk past closed shops, following protests over the fall in currency value, in the Grand Bazaar in Tehran, Iran, January 15, 2026. PHOTO: WANA (West Asian News Agency) via REUTERS
ISLAMABAD:
In a bid to curb rising energy consumption amid a deepening fuel crisis, the federal government on Monday ordered markets and shopping malls in most parts of the country to close at 8 pm from April 7, while Sindh remains the only province that is yet to finalize its implementation pending consultations with stakeholders.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where a broader review of fuel management, energy conservation and austerity measures was carried out in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the new timings will apply to Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
However, markets in the KP divisional headquarters have been granted an extension until 9:00 pm following consultations with the provincial government, while discussions continue in Sindh to determine a mutually agreed schedule.
The restrictions extend beyond points of sale.
Bakeries, restaurants, tandoors and other food-related businesses will have to close at 10pm, while wedding halls, marquees and similar venues holding wedding ceremonies will also observe the same closing time.
Additionally, the government has imposed restrictions on private wedding events, prohibiting home ceremonies beyond 10 p.m.
However, medical warehouses and pharmacies have been exempted from the restrictions to ensure uninterrupted access to essential services.
Officials said the measures are part of a coordinated national response to growing energy pressures following disruptions to global oil supply chains, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, after the outbreak of the US-Israel conflict with Iran on February 28.
The disruption of this key shipping corridor, through which almost a quarter of the world’s oil supply previously passed, has led to a sharp rise in fuel prices and strains on supply lines.
The PMO statement noted that the government has simultaneously implemented relief measures, including a digital wallet subsidy scheme under which financial assistance, including a transaction of Rs 100,000, has already been disbursed.
Subsidized fuel provision for specific segments continues as part of a broader strategy to protect the public from rising costs.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his gratitude to the Chief Ministers of Punjab, KP, Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan as well as the Chief Minister of Azad Kashmir for reaching a consensus on a matter of “national importance”.
He expressed hope that Sindh would also align with the policy after completing consultations with stakeholders.
As part of the relief effort, the prime minister also announced that inter-city public transport services would be provided free of charge in Gilgit and Muzaffarabad for a month, with the federal government bearing the cost.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema and other senior officials.
Sindh consults traders
Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah held a separate meeting with representatives of the business community, including officials of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Korangi Commerce and Industry Association, to discuss the proposed market timings.
According to a statement issued by the Sindh CM Office, Murad said that “all of us will have to play our part in view of the situation in the country”, highlighting the need to conserve energy while ensuring that the burden on lower income groups remains minimal.
He assured traders that no final decision would be made without their input, adding that their recommendations on trading hours would be reviewed before being passed on to the Prime Minister.
