The Balochistan government has announced new operating hours for markets, wedding halls and restaurants as part of its austerity measures. Under the new restrictions, markets, shops and shopping malls must close by 9:00 p.m., while restaurants, cafes and food outlets will remain open until 11:00 p.m.
According to the notification, the government has also extended its austerity drive to the public by making it mandatory to serve only a single dish at wedding ceremonies. To conserve fuel and reduce government expenditure, the operating hours of markets and business centres have been revised, requiring shops, markets and shopping malls to close at 9:00 p.m.
The notification states that wedding halls and other event venues must close by 10:00 p.m., while restaurants, cafes and food outlets must close by 11:00 p.m. However, takeaway and home-delivery services have been exempted from the restaurant closing-time restriction.
Pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, medical laboratories, bakeries, tandoors, milk and dairy shops, petrol and CNG stations, electric vehicle charging stations, gyms, sports facilities, IT companies and call centres have been exempted from the restrictions. The measures will take effect immediately. However, requests for exemptions in specific or unavoidable circumstances may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
According to the Balochistan government, the measures are aimed at reducing expenditure, conserving fuel and ensuring the efficient use of available resources. Institutions providing essential services have been exempted from the restrictions.