The Government of Sindh on Friday implemented revised operating hours for commercial and hospitality businesses across the province, introducing mandatory early closures under an austerity and energy conservation policy that took immediate effect.
According to an official notification, shops, markets and shopping malls in districts outside divisional headquarters must close by 8pm, while businesses operating within divisional headquarters will be allowed to remain open until 9pm. The new schedule applies seven days a week, including weekends.
The directive also places time limits on the hospitality sector. Restaurants and food outlets will be permitted to operate only between 7pm and 11:30pm, though takeaway and home delivery services will continue without restriction. Marriage halls and banquet facilities will be allowed to hold events from 8pm until midnight.
Authorities said essential public services have been excluded from the restrictions to ensure continuity of basic needs. Exempted businesses include tandoors, milk and dairy shops, bakeries, medical stores, laboratories, clinics, hospitals and petrol pumps.
The provincial administration has instructed commissioners and deputy commissioners to ensure strict compliance with the revised timings in coordination with the Sindh Police.
The move aligns with broader austerity and fuel conservation initiatives announced earlier by Shehbaz Sharif on March 9, aimed at reducing energy consumption as the country prepares for potential economic pressures linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Under the federal plan, government offices were directed to adopt a four-day workweek, introduce an additional weekly holiday, and allow 50% of employees to work from home, while educational institutions were ordered to remain closed for two weeks. Banks were exempted from those measures and continue to operate under normal schedules.
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