Pakistan’s Sindh, Punjab ease energy curbs on businesses

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Sindh and Punjab provinces have eased restrictions imposed under an energy conservation drive, allowing markets, shopping malls, hotels and restaurants to resume their usual operations, according to provincial government notifications.

Pakistan announced austerity measures to address a worsening fuel crisis triggered by energy supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to the United States-Israel war on Iran, which began on Feb. 28.

In early April, the government ordered shops, markets and shopping malls to close by 8pm, while restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores and wedding halls were directed to shut down by 10pm as part of an austerity plan to conserve costly imported fuel, though the measures faced resistance from traders.

“The Government of Sindh has exempted shops, markets, malls, hotels, restaurants, wedding halls and marquees from fixed closing timings to facilitate businesses and citizens,” Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon said in an X post on Saturday.

“This decision reflects our commitment to economic growth, public convenience, and support for the business community, which remains the backbone of our economy.”

The Punjab government on Friday relaxed the restrictions until June 1, excluding wedding halls.

The KP government has also taken a decision that is expected to be announced soon, said a provincial official who requested anonymity. The Balochistan government has yet to decide on relaxing the restrictions.

Earlier in May, Pakistan’s traders urged the government to extend business hours and restaurant timings, saying the curbs were affecting businesses in the country.

Kashif Chaudhry, President of the Central Association of Traders in Pakistan, had urged the government to completely lift the restrictions ahead of Eid Al-Adha.

The three-day Islamic festival of Eid Al-Adha, expected at the end of this month, is typically marked by heightened commercial activity.