Energy Conservation: PM Approves New Closing Timings for Markets and Wedding Halls; Notification Issued
ISLAMABAD — In a decisive move to tackle the ongoing power crisis, the Prime Minister has officially approved a revised schedule for commercial operations across the country under the National Energy Saving Campaign. The Cabinet Division has formally issued the notification to enforce the new operating hours.
Breakdown of the Revised Commercial Timings
According to the official notification, the new closing hours for various commercial sectors are structured as follows:
Shops, Markets, and Shopping Malls: Required to shut down operations by 9:00 PM.
Wedding Halls, Marquees, and Commercial Events: Must conclude all activities by 10:00 PM.
Restaurants, Hotels, and Vegetable Shops: Allowed to remain open until 11:00 PM.
Essential Services Exempted from Restrictions
To ensure public convenience and support key economic drivers, the government has exempted several critical sectors from these timing constraints. The following will remain open 24/7 or per their routine schedules:
Medical Stores and Pharmacies
IT Companies and Tech Support Services
Tandoors, Gymnasiums, and Fuel Stations
Implementation Framework
Official Directive: The Federal Government has directed all provincial governments and local administrations to strictly enforce the new operational hours within their respective jurisdictions to achieve the targeted reduction in national energy consumption.