ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The federal government has directed the closure of markets, bazaars, and shopping malls across the country except Sindh at 8 pm, starting from tomorrow, April 7.
The decision was taken during an important review meeting, chaired by PM Shahbaz on Monday, regarding petroleum products, energy conservation, and the implementation of austerity measures, the Media Wing of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a handout.
The decision will apply in Punjab, Balochistan, Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the statement said.
However, bazaars, markets, and shopping malls in the divisional headquarters of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be allowed to remain open until 9 pm.
It said that this decision has been taken in consultation with the provincial government.
The statement further said that the meeting was told that the consultation process is underway with the Sindh government regarding the early closure of markets and other working hours.
Shops, marriage halls’ closing times
“Shops selling daily necessities, departmental stores, and all types of malls will also close at 8 pm. Bakeries, restaurants, tandoors, and other food and beverage shops will be closed at 10 pm,” according to the statement.
Furthermore, it has been decided that marriage halls, marquees, and other commercial places where weddings are held will remain closed after 10 pm.
There will be a ban on holding wedding ceremonies after 10 pm in private properties and homes, the meeting decided.
Moreover, the federal government has announced that the working hours of medical stores and pharmacies will be exempted from these restrictions.
“The decisions taken in the meeting will be implemented from April 7.”
Petrol subsidy
Moreover, the meeting was briefed that the process of transferring the petrol subsidy given by the federal government is underway through digital wallets. The meeting was told that 1 lakh transactions have been done so far.
Prime Minister Shehbaz thanked the Chief Ministers of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir for taking a unanimous decision on important matters of national importance, the handout said.
The premier further said that the Sindh government is in consultation with stakeholders. “I hope that the Chief Minister of Sindh will also join this decision after completing the consultation process soon,” he was quoted as saying.
Intercity public transport in Gilgit city and Muzaffarabad city will be free for one month; all expenses will be borne by the federal government, the Prime Minister further said.
“The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, and senior government officials.”
