KARACHI: The Sindh administration has introduced a new austerity drive, mandating the closure of commercial establishments and shopping centers by 8 PM.A government notification outlines revised operational hours for markets, hotels, and wedding venues across the province.
According to the directive, shops, markets, and shopping malls in Karachi and other divisional centers, as well as in all districts, are to close by 8 PM. In divisional headquarters, these businesses will shut down an hour later, at 9 PM.
Hotels and food outlets will be allowed to operate from 7 PM until 11:30 PM. There will be no restrictions on food delivery or takeaway services.
Wedding halls and banquet facilities can host events from 8 PM until midnight.
Certain essential services, including bakeries, tandoors, pharmacies, clinics, hospitals, laboratories, and fuel stations, are exempt from these curfew hours.
The measures are to be implemented immediately, with the Sindh government instructing officials, including commissioners and deputy commissioners, to strictly enforce the new rules in coordination with police authorities.
It is notable that under the federal austerity policy, Punjab and Balochistan have already issued similar directives, requiring markets to close by 8 PM.
