KARACHI, April 10 – The government of Sindh has announced revised business operating hours across the province, ordering shops, markets and malls to close by 8:00 pm as part of wider austerity and energy conservation measures amid rising fuel costs.
In a notification issued on Friday, the provincial administration said the new timings will apply immediately across all districts, with limited extensions for divisional headquarters, where commercial outlets may remain open until 9:00 pm. The restrictions will be enforced seven days a week, including weekends.
Under the revised policy, restaurants and food outlets will be allowed to operate only during dinner hours from 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm. However, takeaway and home delivery services have been exempted from the curfew-like restrictions.
Marriage halls and banquet facilities will be permitted to host events between 8:00 pm and midnight, while essential services such as bakeries, milk shops, pharmacies, hospitals, laboratories, clinics and petrol stations will remain outside the scope of the new rules.
The provincial government directed commissioners and deputy commissioners to ensure strict implementation of the orders in coordination with local police authorities.
Officials said the move aims to reduce electricity and fuel consumption as Pakistan faces mounting economic pressure linked to global energy price volatility and domestic fiscal constraints.
The announcement follows broader austerity measures introduced at the federal level earlier this year by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which include reduced working days for government offices, remote work arrangements for staff, and temporary closures of educational institutions as part of nationwide energy-saving efforts.
Authorities said the measures are intended to stabilize energy demand and reduce pressure on the national grid while easing import costs linked to petroleum products.
Business associations, however, have previously expressed concern over reduced trading hours, warning that such restrictions could impact retail sales, employment, and overall economic activity, particularly in urban commercial centers.
Officials maintain that the policy is temporary and will be reviewed based on energy supply conditions and economic indicators in the coming months.