The federal government on Tuesday backtracked on restricted market timings announced late on Sunday night, citing longer daylight hours and rising temperatures during summer to delay closures by one hour.
The decision was reached during a meeting of the Committee for Monitoring and Implementation of Austerity Measures chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, according to a statement issued by his office. It said the revised guidelines allowed for shops, markets, malls and general retail outlets to remain open until 9 p.m., while restaurants, cafés and eateries could continue operations until 11 p.m.
The statement said takeaway and delivery services would remain exempt from the restrictions, as would all essential services such as pharmacies, hospitals, fuel stations, I.T. and telecom-related services. However, it added, marriage halls and event venues would continue to close at 10 p.m.
The committee, per the statement, has directed provincial governments to ensure effective implementation of the guidelines in coordination with federal authorities.
The federal and provincial governments imposed restrictions on market timings nationwide in April as part of fuel conservation measures amidst rising petroleum prices triggered by the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane. The center and provinces relaxed the restrictions last month ahead of Eidul Azha but restored them late on May 31, requiring businesses to close by 8 p.m.