QUETTA: The Balochistan government has ordered early closure of markets, wedding halls and restaurants as part of energy conservation measures, according to a notification issued by the Home Department.
The directive follows decisions taken in a meeting on fuel subsidy and energy conservation, with implementation initiated under the supervision of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, read the notification.
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According to the notification, all markets and shopping centres will close by 8pm, while pharmacies, tandoors and nanbais have been exempted from the restriction.
It further stated that marriage halls, banquet halls and wedding events, including those held in hotels and restaurants, must conclude by 10pm.
Restaurants and hotels have also been directed to close by the same time.
The Balochistan Home Department said the measures aimed to conserve energy and provide relief to the public, with district administration and law enforcement agencies tasked to ensure strict implementation.
The measures come as Pakistan moves to mitigate the impact of rising global fuel and energy costs, triggered by the ongoing war in the Middle East.
The more than month-old conflict erupted after the United States and Israel launched joint attacks on Iran on February 28.
In its response, Tehran targeted US bases across the Gulf region and effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil and energy shipping.
Citing impacts of disruptions to the global oil supply chain, Pakistan announced an increase of Rs55 each in the price of petrol and diesel on March 6.
The federal government also announced a wide-ranging austerity and fuel conservation plan, including a four-day workweek, a cut in fuel allowance and a 20% reduction in all government departments’ expenditures.
However, the petrol price was raised to Rs458.41 per litre on April 2, an increase of Rs137.23, while diesel rose to Rs520.35 per litre, up by Rs184.49.
At the time, federal ministers attributed the sharp increase to the rising international oil prices amid the Middle East conflict.
A day later, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reduced the petrol price to Rs378 per litre for a month, slashing the petroleum levy by Rs80 per litre.
Addressing the nation on Friday, PM Shehbaz also outlined a relief package, including subsidies for transporters and financial support for small farmers.
He also said that earlier, federal cabinet members were to forgo their salaries for two months as part of austerity measures to tackle the fuel crisis, but the period had now been extended to six months.
