The Sindh government has announced new business timings across the province under its austerity policy, ordering shops, markets, and shopping malls in Karachi and other divisional headquarters to close by 9 PM throughout the week, including weekends.
According to an official notification issued by the Home Department on April 10, districts other than divisional headquarters will follow stricter timings, with all shops, markets, and shopping malls required to shut by 8 PM.
The order has been issued with immediate effect as part of fuel conservation measures and in line with the broader austerity push being implemented across the country.
However, the restrictions will not apply to several essential services. The notification said tandoors operating as standalone shops, milk and dairy shops, bakeries, medical stores, pharmacies, laboratories, clinics, hospitals, and fuel pumps will remain exempt.
The provincial government has also set separate timings for the hospitality sector. Hotels, restaurants, and food outlets will be allowed to operate between 7 PM and 11:30 PM for dinner service, while home delivery and takeaway services will continue without any restriction.
Meanwhile, marriage halls, wedding venues, and banquets across Sindh will be allowed to operate between 8 PM and 12 midnight.
The notification further directs commissioners and deputy commissioners, with support from Sindh Police, to ensure implementation of the new timings in their respective areas.
The move comes days after the federal government rolled out energy conservation measures and announced early market closures in most parts of the country.
Sindh had initially held back from adopting the same timings, with Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah saying earlier this week that a decision would be made after consultation with traders and business representatives.
That consultation included members of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry, and other business stakeholders.
The new restrictions are part of a wider set of austerity steps introduced amid the fuel crisis linked to the ongoing regional conflict.
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