ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The government has issued notification for enforcement of austerity and fuel conservation measures in the country in wake of the Gulf crisis.
“In continuation of Cabinet Division’s notifications of even number dated 9th and 14th March, 2026, the Prime Minister, in view of the continuing Gulf oil crisis, has been pleased to direct the enforcement of the following austerity and fuel conservation measures with effect from Tuesday, 7th April, 2026, in addition to the measures already in place,” said a notification issued by the Cabinet Division on Monday.
It said all shops, departmental stores, bazaars, markets and shopping malls shall close at 8.00 PM on all days of the week.
The closing times for bakeries, tandoors, restaurants and grocery stores shall be 10.00 PM on all days of the week.
The notification said that pharmacies and medical stores shall, however, be exempt from the notified closing times; and Marriage halls, marquees and all other commercial places where festive events are held shall close at 10.00 PM on all days of the week.
This closing time shall also apply in the case of festive events held in private premises, according to the notification.
Austerity measures in provinces
It said provincial governments may notify their agreed additional measures where not already done so.
According to the notification, the Prime Minister has approved that public transport, including public transport operated by private owners, shall be free for intra-city commuters in Muzaffarabad (Azad Jammu and Kashmir), and Gilgit (Gilgit-Baltistan) for a month with effect from 8th April, 2026, the costs of which shall be borne by the federal government.
