Shops to shut early as govt tightens energy belt

In a bid to rein in rising energy consumption amid a deepening fuel crisis, the federal government on Monday ordered markets and shopping malls across most parts of the country to shut by 8pm from April 7, while Sindh remains the only province yet to finalise 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 against the backdrop 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 (K-P), Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. However, markets in divisional headquarters of K-P have been granted an extension until 9pm following consultations with the provincial government, while discussions continue in Sindh to determine a mutually agreed schedule. The curbs extend beyond retail outlets. Bakeries, restaurants, tandoors and other food-related businesses will be required to close by 10pm, while marriage halls, marquees and similar venues hosting wedding ceremonies will also observe the same closing time. The government has additionally placed restrictions on private wedding events, prohibiting ceremonies at homes beyond 10pm. However, medical stores 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 mounting energy pressures following disruptions in 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 maritime corridor, through which nearly a quarter of global oil supply previously passed, has led to a sharp surge in fuel prices and strained supply lines. The PMO statement noted that the government has simultaneously rolled out relief measures, including a digital wallet subsidy scheme under which financial assistance, including a Rs100,000 transaction, has already been disbursed. Subsidised fuel provision for targeted segments continues as part of the broader strategy to cushion the public from rising costs. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed appreciation for the chief ministers of Punjab, K-P, Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as the prime minister of Azad Kashmir, for reaching 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 intercity public transport services would be provided free of charge in Gilgit and Muzaffarabad for one month, with the federal government bearing the cost. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema and other senior officials attended the meeting.   Sindh consults traders Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah held a separate meeting with representatives of the business community, including officials from the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry, to discuss proposed market timings. According to a statement issued by the Sindh CM's Office, Murad said that "all of us will have to play our roles in view of the country's situation," stressing the need for energy conservation while ensuring that the burden on lower-income groups remains minimal. He assured traders that no final decision would be taken without their input, adding that their recommendations on business hours would be reviewed before being conveyed to the prime minister.