Provinces take coordinated action to ease fuel burden

In response to the ongoing global energy crisis triggered by the conflict in the Middle East, the governments of Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) announced strict energy conservation measures, while Sindh moved to freeze transport fares to provide relief to the public. Both Balochistan and K-P governments set early market closing times to conserve energy, control electricity production costs, and provide relief to citizens affected by escalating global fuel prices. A notification issued by the Balochistan government directed all markets and shopping centres to close by 8:00pm, except for pharmacies, tandoors, bakeries, wedding halls, banquet halls, and hotels, which will close by 10:00pm. Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Hamza Shafqaat ordered district administrations and law-enforcement agencies to ensure full compliance with the order, warning that violators would face legal action. The measures were decided in a meeting of the National Steering Committee on Fuel Subsidy held on Saturday, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. "These measures are aimed at safeguarding lower-income segments of the population from the burden of high fuel prices," the order stated. Similarly, K-P authorities have mandated that markets in divisional headquarters close by 9:00pm and in other districts by 8:00pm. Wedding halls, marquees, and similar venues, as well as restaurants, cafes, and eateries, must close by 10:00pm, although home delivery and takeaway services may continue. The province exempts essential services such as agriculture and construction activities, laboratories, emergency health services, petrol pumps for fuel dispensing, and tandoors preparing food for immediate consumption. It has also restricted non-essential lighting in commercial buildings, event venues, and public offices, including decorative illumination, floodlights, billboards, and LED screens. Air-conditioning, escalators, and lifts in commercial premises must not operate beyond business hours. In Karachi, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced a public relief package to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices. Following consultations with transporters, fares for public transport and school vans have been frozen, with the government providing a targeted subsidy. "Sindh will contribute approximately Rs14 billion to support transporters, ensuring continued service while shielding passengers from rising costs," Shah told a press conference. "These measures, effective immediately, are part of a coordinated national effort." (WITH INPUTS FROM OUR PESHAWAR AND KARACHI CORRESPONDENTS)