Islamabad: Chief Commissioner and CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf Chairs Key Meeting on Austerity and Fuel Conservation Measures

Islamabad (Special Correspondent Muhammad Saleem ) — A high-level meeting on the implementation of austerity and fuel conservation measures in the federal capital was held under the chairmanship of Chief Commissioner Islamabad and Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA), Lieutenant (Retd) Sohail Ashraf.
The meeting was attended by Inspector General (IG) Islamabad, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Islamabad, senior officials from the district administration, CDA, and Islamabad Police. The session reviewed the full implementation of directives issued by the federal government regarding austerity and fuel saving.

The DC Islamabad and concerned officers briefed the participants on the steps taken for compliance. According to the briefing, all measures for austerity and fuel conservation are being enforced immediately across the capital.
New Business Timings Announced:
All shops, departmental stores, bazaars, markets, and shopping malls in Islamabad will close at 8:00 PM daily throughout the week.
Bakeries, restaurants, grocery stores, and other food outlets will close completely by 10:00 PM.
Marriage halls, marquees, and all other commercial venues for events and functions will also shut down after 10:00 PM.
Pharmacies and medical stores have been exempted from these restrictions. Strict legal action will be taken against violators.
The meeting was informed that all stakeholders, including the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, traders, market committees, and the business community, are being taken on board. Meetings with these groups are underway, and awareness campaigns with announcements have already begun in various markets and commercial centers.
Chief Commissioner Sohail Ashraf directed that the government instructions be implemented uniformly in both urban and rural areas of Islamabad. He emphasized the need for an effective monitoring system and instructed all relevant departments to work under a coordinated strategy to ensure full compliance. He further stated that all related commercial activities must be completely shut down after 10:00 PM.
IG Islamabad assured that the directives issued by the government will be implemented in letter and spirit. The district administration and Islamabad Police will work as a joint team to enforce the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
These measures are part of the federal government’s broader campaign to conserve energy and reduce the import bill on fuel. Citizens have been urged to fully cooperate with the authorities for successful implementation.