Balochistan, KP set closure timings for markets, eateries, wedding halls to conserve energy
QUETTA/ PESHAWAR: Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments announced energy conservation measures on Sunday, setting timings for the closure of markets, eateries and wedding halls.
According to a notification issued by the Balochistan Home Department, all markets and shopping centres are to be closed by 8pm. However, pharmacies, tandoors and bakeries have been exempted from the restriction.
The notification also stated that all events being held in wedding halls, banquet halls and hotels must end by 10pm, and that restaurants should also close by 10pm.
It said the provincial government had directed district administration and law enforcement agencies to ensure strict implementation of the orders and violators would face action under relevant laws.
Divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners and police officials have also been instructed to ensure immediate enforcement of the new directives.
Similarly, a public notice issued by the office of the KP chief secretary said all markets, shopping plazas, commercial establishments and night-time sports activities in divisional headquarters should close by 9pm. Meanwhile, markets, shopping plazas and commercial establishments in other districts should close by 8pm, it added.
The notice further said that all restaurants, cafes and eateries should close by 10pm but home delivery and takeaway services could be provided beyond these hours.
Meanwhile, “all marriage halls, marquees, event halls, event lawns and public/ private events of a similar nature shall conclude by 10pm”, the notice stated.
It further said that “agriculture and construction activities, laboratories and emergency health services, tandoors engaged solely in the preparation and sale of roti/naan for immediate consumption, petrol pumps, in respect of only fuel dispensing only and public transport terminals, in respect of limited operational lighting only”, were exempted from the new restrictions.
The notice said medical stores and pharmacies were also exempted from these restrictions, but subject to a set of conditions.
The new timings in KP will be effective from April 6.
Balochistan traders oppose govt move
Central Anjuman-i-Tajiran Balochistan President Abdul Rahim Kakar rejected the government’s closure timings, calling them “anti-trader” and warning of protests if the decision was enforced.
Speaking at a joint press conference at the Quetta Press Club along with other trade leaders, he said traders would not close markets and shops at 8pm, insisting instead that markets should remain open until 10pm, while wedding halls, hotels and restaurants should operate until midnight.
He argued that the move resembled lockdown-style restrictions that harmed businesses during the Covid-19 period.
Kakar said Balochistan’s economy largely depended on trade as there were no major industries, and businesses were already struggling due to inflation, unemployment, insecurity, border closures and restrictions on border trade.
He claimed that rising fuel prices, increased utility bills and taxes had further damaged commercial activity, adding that border closures had left millions jobless.
More to follow
