The Sindh government on Friday announced new operational hours for markets, restaurants and wedding halls as part of austerity measures aimed at conserving fuel amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The federal government, as well as all other federating units, had announced similar measures earlier this week. A notification issued by the Sindh Home Department said all shops, markets and shopping malls in districts other than the divisional headquarters would henceforth close at 8 p.m., including on weekends. In the divisional headquarters, it said, these businesses would close at 9 p.m.
The Sindh government said essential services, including tandoors, milk and dairy shops, bakeries, medical stores and pharmacies, clinics, hospitals and fuel pumps, would be exempt from the measures.
According to the notification, hotels, restaurants and other food outlets would be allowed to offer dine-in services from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily, but would not face any restrictions on home delivery or takeaway services. Similarly, marriage halls and banquet facilities have been restricted to operating from 8 p.m. until midnight daily.
The provincial government has directed commissioners and deputy commissioners, with the support of police, to ensure strict implementation of these measures in their respective jurisdictions.
The Iran war, trigged by joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Feb. 28, has roiled global fuel supplies, driving up prices. In a bid to reduce pressures on its foreign reserves, Pakistan has implemented several austerity measures to reduce fuel consumption, and has also unveiled targeted and general fuel subsidies.
Islamabad mediated a ceasefire between Iran and the United States earlier this week, with formal talks between the two states to take place in the federal capital this weekend. However, observers have warned, even if the two-week ceasefire gains permanence, it will take several weeks for prices to return to normal, requiring careful management to ensure supply disruptions do not cause shortages.