Pak orders early market shutdowns, sweeping austerity over fuel crisis amid Iran war

Nearly a month after Pakistan had ordered the closure of schools and universities, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, after chairing a crucial meeting, imposed wider curbs, including the decision to close markets, bazaars, and shopping malls by 8 pm across the country as war raged in the Gulf, putting further strain on global fuel supply.

According to a press release by the Pakistan PMO, markets, bazaars, and shopping malls in the divisional headquarters of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been allowed to remain open until 9 pm, following consultations with the provincial government. Shops selling daily-use items, departmental stores, and all malls will close at 8 pm.

Further decisions included closing bakeries, restaurants, tandoors, and other eateries by 10 pm. Marriage halls, marquees, and other commercial wedding venues will also close after 10 pm. Additionally, wedding ceremonies in private properties and homes are banned after 10 pm. Medical stores and pharmacies will operate exempt from these restrictions.

These measures will come into effect from April 7.

During the briefing, it was noted that consultations are ongoing in Sindh regarding market and operating hours. The transfer of federal government subsidies for petroleum products via digital wallets is in progress, with 100,000 transactions completed so far.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to the Chief Ministers of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir for reaching consensus on these national matters. He added that talks with Sindh’s government stakeholders are continuing and expects the Sindh Chief Minister to join the decision after completing consultations.

The Prime Minister also announced that intercity public transport in Gilgit and Muzaffarabad will be free for one month, with the federal government covering all expenses.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, and other senior government officials.

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