The Sindh government has announced new operating hours for markets, restaurants, and marriage halls across the province as part of its austerity and energy conservation policy.
The new rules have been implemented with immediate effect through an official notification.
Visit Times of Karachi website for the latest news-related content
According to the revised schedule, shops, markets, and shopping malls in all districts will close at 8pm.
However, in divisional headquarters, businesses will be allowed to remain open until 9pm. These timings will apply throughout the week, including weekends.
Restaurants and food outlets will only be allowed to serve dine-in customers from 7pm to 11:30pm.
READ: How to get Rs. 2,000 Petrol Subsidy for motorcyclists in Sindh
However, takeaway and home delivery services will continue without any restrictions.
Marriage halls and banquet venues will be permitted to hold events from 8pm until midnight.
The government has exempted essential services from these restrictions.
These include tandoors, milk and dairy shops, bakeries, medical stores, laboratories, clinics, hospitals, and petrol pumps.
Authorities have instructed commissioners and deputy commissioners to ensure strict enforcement of the new timings in coordination with the Sindh Police.
READ: Karachi faces gas supply cuts as RLNG shortage deepens
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced nationwide austerity and energy-saving steps on March 9, including a four-day workweek for government offices amid rising concerns over economic pressure linked to the ongoing Middle East situation.
He said government offices would operate for four days a week, with one additional weekly holiday introduced to reduce fuel consumption.
He also stated that 50% of government employees would work from home, while schools would remain closed for two weeks.
Follow the Times of Karachi channel on WhatsApp
However, banks will continue their normal operations.
