KP government announces new restrictions to ensure efficient power usage amid rising fuel costs

ABBOTTABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Apr, 2026) The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced a series of measures to ensure the effective use of electricity across the province

in wake of the ongoing regional situation and recent surge in fuel prices.

According to official sources, electricity generation is heavily dependent on fuel, and the recent surge in fuel prices has directly contributed to higher electricity costs. To address this challenge, the government has imposed temporary restrictions on non-essential power usage. The move is particularly focused on conserving energy during evening hours while ensuring that essential services and economic activities remain uninterrupted.

Under the new directives, which have been approved by relevant authorities, all markets, shopping plazas, commercial centers, and nighttime sports activities in divisional headquarters will close by 9:00 PM. In other districts, these commercial establishments will shut down by 8:00 PM. Restaurants, cafés, and other food outlets will be closed by 10:00 PM, although home delivery and takeaway services will be permitted to continue.

Wedding halls, marquees, and event venues must also conclude all gatherings by 10:00 PM.

The restrictions apply to a wide range of commercial establishments, including private offices, consultancies, agencies, banks, educational academies, tuition centers, shops, showrooms, jewelry stores, bakeries, gyms, fitness centers, guest houses, and catering services, among others. However, several essential services have been exempted from the restrictions. These include agricultural and construction activities, medical stores and pharmacies (which may operate 24 hours under specific conditions), hospitals, laboratories, and emergency health services, tandoors for bread and naan preparation, and petrol pumps limited to fuel supply.

The provincial government has made a collective appeal to the public, traders, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure full compliance with these directives.