Markets, malls to close at 8pm across country, except Sindh

ISLAMABAD: In a bold bid to curb late-night shopping and rein in soaring energy consumption, the federal government announced on Monday that markets, shopping centres, and malls across much of the country will now close by 8pm, effective from today (Tuesday).

Pharmacies and medical stores are exempt, while bakeries, restaurants, tandoors, and other food outlets are allowed to trade until 10pm, giving night-time food lovers a brief reprieve.

The decision follows a high-level review of energy-saving and austerity measures chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office made it clear that grocery stores, departmental stores, and other retail outlets are also bound by the 8 pm closure.

Wedding venues, marquees, and private residences hosting marriage ceremonies must close by 10pm, with the only exception being divisional headquarters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where businesses may operate until 9pm.

The meeting examined a broad suite of nationwide energy and fiscal prudence measures, with the early closure of retail outlets at the centre of the strategy.

The statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said that the decisions were reached in consultation with provincial governments, as well as authorities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).

Markets, shopping malls, and shops in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad, GB, and AJK must now shut by 8pm daily, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s divisional headquarters allowed an extra hour.

The statement said that the Sindh provincial government remains in consultation with stakeholders on market timings, and that it will soon follow the directive to close markets in line with other parts of the country.

Meanwhile, the meeting was informed that the federal government has been distributing subsidies for petroleum products via digital wallets, with over 100,000 transactions completed to date.

Prime Minister Sharif praised the chief ministers of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, GB, and the Prime Minister of AJK for reaching consensus on these “measures of national significance,” and urged Sindh to align with the national framework soon.

In a surprise relief measure, he announced that intra-city public transport in Gilgit and Muzaffarabad will be free for one month, with the federal government footing the bill.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, and senior federal officials.

According to an official notification issued by the district administration, all shops, markets and shopping malls will shut at 8:00pm throughout the week, including Saturdays and Sundays, in line with ongoing austerity measures. The notification, however, exempts essential services from the restriction. These include pharmacies, medical stores, medical laboratories, hospitals, petrol pumps, CNG stations, tandoors, bakeries, and milk and dairy shops. It further states that hotels, restaurants and other food outlets will be required to close by 10:00pm. Takeaway and home delivery services will remain unaffected.

In addition, all marriage halls, banquets and wedding functions — including those held at residences and farmhouses — must conclude by 10:00pm.