The Balochistan government has announced new closing times for markets, shopping centers, restaurants, and other businesses as part of austerity measures aimed at reducing public expenditure and saving fuel.
According to the notification, shops, markets, and shopping malls in the province will have to close by 09:00 PM.
Marriage halls and other venues hosting events must close by 10:00 PM, while restaurants, cafes, and other food outlets will be required to close by 11:00 PM.
Takeaway and home-delivery services will be exempt from the restaurant closing-time restrictions.
The government has also imposed a one-dish policy at wedding ceremonies as part of its austerity measures.
Several essential services have been exempted from the new restrictions, including pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, medical laboratories, bakeries, tandoors, milk and dairy shops, petrol and CNG stations, electric-vehicle charging stations, gyms, sports facilities, IT companies and call centers.
The measures take effect immediately, according to the notification. Requests for exemptions in specific and unavoidable circumstances may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The Balochistan government said the measures were intended to reduce government expenditure, conserve fuel and ensure more efficient use of available resources, while allowing essential services to continue operating.
