QUETTA: The Balochistan government has officially begun implementing austerity decisions taken in a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti, with the Home Department issuing a formal notification to this effect on Monday.
In response to the global energy crisis and prevailing economic challenges, the provincial government has revised the operating hours of markets, wedding halls, and restaurants as part of public relief measures.
According to the notification, all markets and shopping centres across the province will now close by 8 pm. However, pharmacies, tandoors, and bakeries have been exempted from the restriction to ensure that essential public services remain unaffected.
All events held in wedding halls, banquet halls, and hotels must conclude by 10 pm. Similarly, restaurants and hotels will also be required to shut down by 10 pm.
Additional Chief Secretary Home Hamza Shafqat stated that these steps are necessary to ensure energy conservation and electricity saving throughout the province. He directed district administrations and law enforcement agencies to strictly enforce the new timings.
“The public is urged to fully cooperate with these measures so that we can overcome the energy crisis and provide tangible relief to the people of Balochistan,” Shafqat added.
Government sources confirmed that the restrictions have come into immediate effect, and strict legal action will be taken against violators. Officials maintain that the move will not only save electricity and energy but also offer financial relief to ordinary citizens.
The decisions were finalised during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti just days ago, keeping in view the global energy situation.
