The provincial governments of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have ordered the early closure of markets, wedding halls, and restaurants as part of energy conservation measures.
According to a notification issued by the KP chief secretary, markets, shopping centers, commercial establishments, and night-time sports activities in divisional headquarters are required to close by 9 pm.
Markets, shopping centers, and commercial establishments in districts outside divisional headquarters will close by 8 pm, according to the notification.
All restaurants, cafes, and eateries must shut by 10 pm, though home delivery and takeaway services are allowed to continue. Similarly, marriage halls, marquees, event halls, lawns, and both public and private events are required to conclude by 10 pm throughout the province. Private offices, banks, academies, shops, and gyms are also included in these restrictions.
Exemptions have been granted for agricultural and construction activities, hospitals, laboratories, and emergency services. Medical stores will remain open 24 hours but only for selling medicines. Limited exemptions also apply to tandoors, petrol pumps, and public transport.
Industrial units and factories may continue operations, but unnecessary lighting is prohibited. Decorative and flood lights at buildings, plazas, and event venues are banned, while markets must restrict lighting to essential use. Authorities have also ordered the closure of billboards, LED screens, and signboards, and restricted the use of air conditioners, lifts, and escalators after business hours. The use of generators for non-essential commercial activities is also banned.
The notification directs strict energy-saving measures in government offices, requiring all electrical appliances to be switched off when not in use. Non-essential office activities after working hours are prohibited except in emergencies. Deputy commissioners are responsible for enforcing these measures, with officials warning that violations will result in inspections, checks, and legal action.
Balochistan announced similar measures. The Home Department stated that the decision followed fuel subsidy adjustments and energy conservation efforts, implemented under Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s supervision. Markets and shopping centers there will close by 8 pm, while pharmacies, tandoors, and nanbais are exempt. Marriage halls, banquet halls, and wedding events, including those in hotels and restaurants, must conclude by 10 pm. Restaurants and hotels are also required to close at the same time. District administrations and law enforcement agencies have been tasked with strict implementation to conserve energy and provide public relief.
The measures come amid rising energy costs in Pakistan, driven by the ongoing Middle East conflict. The war began after the United States and Israel launched joint attacks on Iran on February 28, prompting Tehran to target US bases in the Gulf and block the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil route.
Due to global oil supply disruptions, Pakistan increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 per litre on March 6. The federal government introduced austerity and fuel conservation measures, including a four-day workweek, reduced fuel allowances, and a 20% cut in government department expenditures.
Petrol prices later surged to Rs458.41 per litre and diesel to Rs520.35 per litre on April 2, attributed to rising international oil prices amid the conflict. The following day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reduced petrol to Rs378 per litre for a month and slashed the petroleum levy by Rs80 per litre.
Addressing the nation, PM Sharif announced a relief package including subsidies for transporters and financial support for small farmers. He also extended the period for federal cabinet members to forgo their salaries from two to six months as part of broader austerity measures to tackle the fuel crisis.
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