The government has decided to continue its austerity and energy conservation drive, with a committee headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar recommending that the existing restrictions remain in force until June 30.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the Committee on Austerity Measures held in Islamabad, where officials reviewed the implementation of current policies and examined exemption requests submitted by various ministries and divisions.
During the session, participants assessed demands for relaxation in the ongoing austerity framework and evaluated operational needs across government departments. After detailed review, the committee recommended extending the current austerity and energy-saving measures till June 30 as part of efforts to ensure efficient use of national resources.
The government will continue with the existing energy conservation guidelines aimed at reducing consumption across public sector offices and other relevant areas.
Under the revised arrangements, kiryana and grocery stores will be allowed to remain open until 10 pm to facilitate the public while maintaining energy-saving objectives.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also announced that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue providing consular services on Fridays, ensuring uninterrupted assistance for citizens despite the ongoing austerity policy.
Officials said the committee will keep monitoring the implementation of these measures and review operational requirements of different ministries as needed.
Earlier, the Punjab government had set new working hours for markets and business centres on Wednesday, declaring that shops, markets and shopping malls will now close at 9 PM. A notification has also been issued in this regard.
The steps are being taken to make sure that there is an efficient use of energy and a regulation of the working hours of commercial activities.
After the approval of Chief Secretary of Punjab Zahid Zaman, Secretary Industries and Commerce Syed Masood Noman issued a notification in this regard.
What are the new market, bazaar timings in Punjab
According to the notification, all shops, markets and shopping malls will now close at 9 PM in the province. In addition to this, the wedding halls, markets and other commercial events will be able to continue till 10 PM.
The government has made it compulsory for restaurants, hotels and vegetable shops to close by 11 PM.
The notification has exempted certain sectors from these restrictions. This means that the new working hours will not apply to medical stores, IT companies, tandoors, gyms and fuel stations.
Also read: Govt announces new timings for markets
