Sindh sets new market timings under austerity drive

KARACHI: The Sindh government has notified new austerity measures under its energy conservation policy, ordering earlier closing hours for shops, markets and shopping malls across the province, according to an official notification issued on Friday.

Under the revised timings, all shops, markets and shopping malls in Karachi and other divisional headquarters will close at 9pm, while those in districts other than divisional headquarters will shut at 8pm, the notification said.

The move is part of a broader federal and provincial push for energy and cost-saving measures amid economic pressures and fuel conservation efforts.

The notification said hotels and food outlets will be allowed to operate from 7pm to 11:30pm for dine-in services, while home delivery and takeaway operations will remain exempt from restrictions.

Wedding halls and banquet facilities will be permitted to conduct events from 8pm to midnight.

Essential services, including tandoors (standalone bread shops), milk and dairy shops, bakeries, medical stores, pharmacies, laboratories, clinics, hospitals and petrol stations, will remain exempt from the new timings.

The restrictions will take effect immediately, the notification added.

The Sindh government’s decision follows similar measures adopted by other provinces under the federal government’s austerity drive.

Earlier this month, the federal government announced nationwide energy conservation steps, directing markets and shopping malls to close earlier in most parts of the country, while allowing limited exemptions for restaurants and essential services.

Provincial governments in Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have already implemented similar closing-time restrictions as part of efforts to reduce energy consumption.

Officials said consultations with business stakeholders had been held prior to the decision, though trader bodies in Karachi have previously expressed concerns over reduced business hours impacting commercial activity.