In view of the energy crisis, a meeting was held at the Commissioner’s Karachi office on limiting the working hours of markets and wedding halls, in which traders were asked that they should ensure that wholesale markets only remain open until open at 6 p.m. while shopping centres and bazaars should shut by 9 p.m. Furthermore it was also suggested that wedding halls and restaurants should shut by 11 p.m. to 12 p.m.
Commissioner Karachi Iqbal Memon, Provincial Minister Saeed Ghani, Commerce Minister Ikramullah Dharijo, Excise Minister Mukesh Chawla, Administrator Karachi Dr Saifur Rehman and representatives of Markets Associations and Shadi Hall Association participated in the meeting.
Traders suggested closing wholesale markets by 6 pm, shopping centers and bazaars by 9 pm.
The traders proposed to close the marriage hall and restaurant from 11 pm to 12 pm.
On the other hand, the administration proposed to close the markets from 7 to 9 pm in view of the energy crisis.
In the meeting, the businessmen proposed to give relief in business hours on Sunday and Saturday.
The traders said that cases should not be registered for some delay in closing the shops after the prescribed hours of the administration.
Traders also demanded measures to improve the traffic system in the city, saying that the simultaneous closure of markets and bazaars in the city would increase traffic pressure.
Business leader Atiq Mir said that a practical decision should be taken regarding the closure of markets, bazaars, restaurants and marriage halls.
Provincial Minister Saeed Ghani said that the business hours will be decided according to the majority opinion of the businessmen, and other suggestions regarding the energy crisis, including the solar system, will also be implemented.
Saeed Ghani said that we had told the federal government that we will consult with the stakeholders, what will happen to the business if there is no electricity for six hours in the business hours of eight or ten hours.
