People wait their turn to get fuel at a gas station in Peshawar. Photo: Reuters/ File
QUETTA:
In response to the ongoing global energy crisis triggered by the conflict in the Middle East, the governments of Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) announced strict energy conservation measures, while Sindh moved to freeze transport prices to help the public.
Both the Balochistan and KP governments set early market closing times to conserve energy, control the cost of power generation and provide relief to citizens affected by escalating global fuel prices.
A notification issued by the Balochistan government directed all markets and malls to close at 20.00, except pharmacies, tandoors, bakeries, wedding halls, banquet halls and hotels, which close at 10 p.m.
Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Hamza Shafqaat ordered district administrations and law enforcement agencies to ensure full compliance with the order and warned that violators would face legal action.
The measures were decided at a meeting of the National Fuel Subsidy Steering Committee held on Saturday, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. “These measures are aimed at protecting lower income segments of the population from the burden of high fuel prices,” the order said.
Similarly, the KP authorities have mandated that markets in the divisional headquarters close at 9 p.m. and in other districts at 8 p.m. Wedding halls, tents and similar places as well as restaurants, cafes and eateries must close at 22.00, although home delivery and takeaway can continue.
The province exempts essential services such as agricultural and construction activities, laboratories, emergency health services, petrol pumps for fuel dispensing and tandoors that prepare food for immediate consumption.
It has also limited non-essential lighting in commercial buildings, event venues and public offices, including decorative lighting, floodlights, billboards and LED screens. Air conditioning, escalators and elevators in commercial premises must not operate outside of opening hours.
In Karachi, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced a public relief package to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices. After consultation with carriers, tariffs for public transport and school buses have been frozen, with the government providing a targeted subsidy.
“Sindh will contribute approximately Rs 14 billion to support carriers and ensure continued service while protecting passengers from rising costs,” Shah said at a press conference. “These measures, which take effect immediately, are part of a coordinated national effort.”
(WITH INPUTS FROM OUR PESHAWAR AND KARACHI CORRESPONDENTS)
