KARACHI: The Sindh government on Saturday abolished fixed closing times for commercial centres, allowing markets, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants and other businesses to operate under their regular schedules.
Taking to his official X handle, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced that the government of Sindh has exempted shops, markets, malls, hotels, restaurants, wedding halls and marquees from fixed closing timings to facilitate businesses and citizens.
"This decision reflects our commitment to economic growth, public convenience, and support for the business community, which remains the backbone of our economy," he wrote.
Business hours were curtailed across the country last month as part of energy conservation measures introduced amid a sharp increase in domestic fuel prices, triggered by the conflict in the Middle East.
"All Shops, Markets, Shopping Malls, Hotels, Restaurants, Food Outlets, Marriage Halls and Marquees are hereby exempted from the closure timings prescribed vide Home department's notification No SOJI/8-12/2026 (Lockdown) dated 10/04/2026," stated a notification shared by the minister on X.
He said business centres would now be able to continue operating according to their normal business hours.
Memon stated that the specific timings had originally been imposed under an energy conservation and austerity policy. He said the government believed in promoting business activities, facilitating citizens and ensuring economic stability.
According to the senior minister, the decision was taken after considering suggestions and difficulties faced by traders and industrialists. He further said the government would continue taking all possible measures to resolve issues faced by traders.
The senior minister added that despite difficult economic conditions, the government had protected the interests of the public and the business community.
The measures formed part of the federal government’s broader austerity and fuel-conservation plan aimed at reducing energy consumption following the surge in fuel prices.
In line with the federal policy, the Sindh government also introduced province-wide restrictions to curb fuel and electricity use.
According to the provincial government, all shops, markets and shopping malls in districts other than divisional headquarters were directed to close at 8pm throughout the week, including weekends. In divisional headquarters, these businesses were allowed to operate until 9pm.
However, essential services were exempted from the order, including standalone tandoors, milk and dairy shops, bakeries, medical stores and pharmacies, as well as medical laboratories, clinics, hospitals and fuel pumps.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa followed suit on Saturday, announcing the end of smart lockdown measures across the province and lifting restrictions on market timings and business hours.
According to a notification issued by the KP chief secretary's office, all previously imposed time restrictions have been suspended with immediate effect until further orders.
However, the notification maintained that energy conservation measures will continue to remain in force.
It directed citizens and businesses to avoid unnecessary and decorative lighting to support energy-conservation efforts across the province.
The provincial government urged the "prudent use of air-conditioning and other non-essential electricity consumption" in the larger public interest.
It expressed gratitude to the public, business community, and all stakeholders for their cooperation with the government in promoting responsible energy use and conserving national resources.
The provincial authorities in Balochistan also announced easing of lockdown measures for business centres, with restrictions lifted until June 1.
According to Balochistan's Home Department, the 8pm closure rule for commercial activity has been withdrawn, allowing shops, malls, restaurants and markets to operate beyond 8pm.
However, restrictions on other institutions will remain in place, it said.
