Govt orders shops and malls to close by 9pm under austerity drive

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has notified sweeping austerity and fuel conservation measures to conserve energy as fuel prices spike due to the Middle East conflict, with all shops, markets, and shopping malls in Islamabad closing at 9pm throughout the week.

The measures were notified by the Cabinet Division on the recommendations of the Committee for Monitoring and Implementation of Fuel Conservation and Additional Austerity Measures, according to the notification issued on Thursday.

The new austerity measures are initially limited to Islamabad, with the federal government encouraging provincial and regional governments to consider adopting similar measures.

Shops, markets, shopping malls, bazaars, departmental stores, grocery, general and kiryana stores must close by 9pm, the notification states.

Meanwhile, the notification said, marriage halls, marquees and all commercial venues hosting festive events must close by 10pm. Restaurants, cafés, eateries and food outlets must close by 11pm, though takeaway and home delivery services are exempt.

Only a single dish shall be served at all marriage-related functions and events.

On the other hand, pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, medical laboratories, standalone bakeries, tandoors, milk and dairy shops, fuel and CNG pumps, electric vehicle charging stations, gyms, sports facilities, IT companies and call centres are fully exempt from closing time restrictions.

This is a developing story and is being updated with further details