Lights out early, Govt tightens business hours amid energy crisis

April 7, 2026 (MLN): The government has decided new nationwide measures aimed at reducing energy consumption and controlling rising petroleum costs, introducing strict closing times for markets, businesses, and social events.

Under the new policy, markets, bazaars, departmental stores, and shopping malls across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad Capital Territory, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir will close at 8:00 p.m., while in divisional headquarters of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, they may remain open until 9:00 p.m.

Food outlets, including restaurants, bakeries, and tandoors, will be allowed to operate until 10:00 p.m., after which wedding halls, marquees, commercial venues, and even private home wedding events will not be permitted, according to a press release issued.

Medical stores and pharmacies, however, are exempt from these restrictions.

The new timings will come into effect from April 7, 2026.

The decisions were taken during a high-level review meeting chaired by Shehbaz Sharif, where officials discussed petroleum pricing, energy conservation, and austerity measures in consultation with provincial governments.

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