Pakistan's Situation Deteriorates Amidst Iran War... Lockdown to be Imposed Starting Tonight; Shehbaz Sharif Makes Announcement

On Monday, the government in Pakistan decided that markets and shopping malls across the country—with the exception of Sindh—would close by 8:00 PM as part of energy-conservation measures. A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office indicated that this decision was reached during a meeting held in Islamabad, presided over by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Restrictions Imposed Everywhere Except Sindh

Earlier, the statement had noted that markets in the divisional headquarters of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) would be permitted to remain open until 9:00 PM, while discussions regarding the opening and closing times for markets in Sindh were still ongoing. Meanwhile, the statement added that during the meeting, it was decided that markets and shopping malls in the rest of KP, Punjab, Balochistan, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and other regions would close by 8:00 PM.

Additionally, it was decided that bakeries, restaurants, tandoors, and shops selling food and beverages would close by 10:00 PM. Similarly, marriage halls, marquees, and other commercial venues utilized for hosting wedding ceremonies must also cease operations by the same time.

Exemption for Weddings Until 10:00 PM

The statement further stipulated that a ban would also be imposed on holding wedding ceremonies in private venues and homes after 10:00 PM. However, it noted that medical stores and pharmacies are being exempted from these time restrictions, and the new timings will come into effect starting April 7 (Tuesday). These decisions were announced just one day after the governments of Balochistan and KP declared commercial operating hours for their respective provinces—timings that align with the decisions reached during Monday’s meeting.

PMO Shares Information via Post on X

According to the PMO’s statement, the meeting presided over by the Prime Minister focused on discussions regarding fuel and energy-conservation measures. Furthermore, expenditure-reduction strategies amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East were also reviewed. This conflict had commenced on February 28 with US-Israeli attacks targeting Iran. During this period, the Strait of Hormuz—a strategic maritime corridor through which approximately 25 percent of the world’s oil passed prior to the conflict—has faced disruptions, leading to a surge in fuel prices and interruptions in supply.

Public Transport Free for One Month in Muzaffarabad

It was also announced that public transport services operating between cities in Gilgit and Muzaffarabad would be provided free of charge for a period of one month. During this time, the Central Government will bear the entire cost. According to a statement from the PMO, the meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, and other relevant senior officials.

Sindh Chief Minister Also Issues Statement

The Chief Minister of Sindh met with representatives of the business community. Meanwhile, a statement issued by the Sindh Chief Minister’s Office noted that the province’s chief executive, Murad Ali Shah, held a meeting with representatives of the business community on Monday. Representatives from the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry, and various other business sectors participated in this meeting.

Citing Murad, the statement quoted him as saying, “Given the prevailing situation in the country, we all must play our respective roles,” and affirmed that the Sindh government intends to take measures to conserve energy. He added that the government is simultaneously taking steps to ensure that the burden on the poor remains minimal. He further stated that trade organizations have submitted their suggestions regarding market opening hours, and these suggestions will be conveyed to the Prime Minister following a review.