The Balochistan government has announced new measures, including early closure of markets, restrictions on official spending and a major cut in fuel allocations for government vehicles.
According to the latest notification, the measures have come into effect immediately.
Markets, Restaurants and Halls new timings
Markets, bazaars and shopping malls across Balochistan will have to close by 9pm.
Marriage halls will be allowed to remain open until 10pm, while restaurants will have to close by 11pm.
However, several essential businesses and services will remain exempt from these restrictions. These include pharmacies, hospitals, petrol pumps and dairy shops.
The government has also ordered strict implementation of the one dish policy at wedding ceremonies.
Fuel allocation cut by 50 per cent
The provincial government has also introduced several measures to reduce its own spending.
Fuel allocated to government vehicles will be reduced by 50 per cent for the next three months. The government has also banned the purchase of new official vehicles.
Foreign trips by government officials have also been restricted under the new measures.
Official dinners, seminars and conferences will not be allowed. In addition, government expenditure other than salaries and pensions will be reduced by 5 per cent.
Balochistan has introduced similar energy saving restrictions earlier this year. In April, the provincial government also imposed reduced business hours to conserve energy and fuel. Those rules were later revised following discussions with traders.