People walk past closed shops, following protests over a plunge in the currency’s value, in the Tehran Grand Bazaar in Tehran, Iran, January 15, 2026. PHOTO: WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS
ISLAMABAD:
In an effort to curb rising energy consumption amid a deepening fuel crisis, the federal government on Monday ordered markets and shopping malls in most parts of the country to close at 6 p.m. 8 PM from April 7, while Sindh remains the only province yet to complete its implementation pending stakeholder consultations.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where a wider review of fuel management, energy conservation and austerity measures was undertaken 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 (KP), Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
However, markets at KP’s divisional headquarters have been extended till 5 p.m. 21:00 after consultations with the provincial government, while discussions continue in Sindh to determine a mutually agreed schedule.
The curbs extend beyond retail stores.
Bakeries, restaurants, tandoor and other food-related businesses will be required to close at
The government has also placed restrictions on private wedding events, prohibiting ceremonies in homes after 6 p.m.
However, medical shops 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 rising energy pressures following disruptions in global oil supply chains, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, following the outbreak of the US-Israel conflict with Iran on February 28.
The disruption of this important maritime corridor, through which almost a quarter of the global oil supply previously passed, has led to a sharp increase in fuel prices and strained supply lines.
The PMO statement noted that the government has simultaneously rolled out relief measures, including a digital wallet support scheme, under which financial assistance, including a transaction of Rs 100,000, has already been disbursed.
Subsidized fuel supplies to targeted segments continue as part of the wider strategy to cushion the public from rising costs.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed appreciation to the Chief Ministers of Punjab, KP, Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, for reaching an agreement on an issue of “national importance”.
He expressed hope that Sindh would also adapt to the policy after conducting consultations with stakeholders.
As part of the relief efforts, the prime minister also announced that intercity public transport services would be provided free of cost in Gilgit and Muzaffarabad for a month, with the federal government bearing the cost.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance 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 business representatives, including officials from Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and 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 “we will all 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 opening hours would be reviewed before being passed on to the Prime Minister.
