The government has reinstated its directive requiring all shopping malls, markets and retail shops across the country to close by 7pm as part of ongoing efforts to reduce electricity consumption.
The Power Division issued the directive on Monday through its Coordination-2 Wing and circulated it to mayors and administrators of city corporations, divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners for implementation.
According to the order, the 7pm closing schedule had earlier been introduced to support nationwide power-saving measures.
However, the restriction was temporarily relaxed ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, allowing businesses to remain open until 10pm to facilitate increased commercial activity during the festive season.
With the special Eid arrangement now expired, the government has reinstated the previous schedule effective from 1 June. Consequently, all shopping malls, markets and shops must cease operations by 7pm.
The order further stipulates that to ensure austerity in electricity consumption, all types of billboard lighting must be switched off by 7pm.
This same time limit will also apply to fairs, trade fairs, and cultural programmes organised in various parts of the country.
The Power Division has instructed the relevant authorities to take necessary measures to ensure proper enforcement of the directive as part of the government’s broader energy conservation efforts.
