Markets in Sindh to close by 9pm as provincial govt enforces austerity measures

Essential services will remain exempt from restriction which include bakeries, milk and dairy shops, tandoors operating as standalone outlets, pharmacies, medical stores, laboratories, clinics, hospitals and fuel stations.  

KARACHI: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-April 10^th, 2026) The Sindh government has announced revised business timings across the province, ordering early closure of markets, shops, and shopping malls under new austerity and energy conservation measures.

An official notification issued on Friday said that all commercial markets, shopping centres and malls in Karachi and other divisional headquarters of Sindh will close at 9pm daily, including weekends.

In areas outside divisional headquarters, the closing time has been set at 8pm.

The notification clarified that essential services will remain exempt from the restriction. These include bakeries, milk and dairy shops, tandoors operating as standalone outlets, pharmacies, medical stores, laboratories, clinics, hospitals and fuel stations.

Restaurants, hotels, and food outlets have been allowed to continue dine-in services from 7pm to 11:30pm, while takeaway and home delivery operations will remain unaffected by the new timing restrictions.

The marriage halls, banquets, and wedding venues will be permitted to operate between 8pm and midnight.

The move comes as part of broader energy-saving efforts being implemented across the country amid rising global fuel and electricity pressures.

Earlier, the Federal government had also announced similar measures, directing early closure of markets and commercial centres as part of a nationwide conservation plan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had said the policy was aimed at reducing energy consumption, while consultations with stakeholders were ongoing.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had also held consultations with the business community, assuring that implementation would be carried out in coordination with traders and relevant associations.

Other provinces, including Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have already adopted comparable restrictions, limiting market timings to support energy conservation efforts.