Islamabad: The Federal government has officially decided to lift the restrictions related to fuel conservation and additional austerity measures that were introduced on March 9th, with the exception of market timings. This decision comes as part of a broader strategy to ease the constraints on businesses and the general public.
According to Radio Pakistan, a notification released by the Cabinet Division highlighted that the Prime Minister has given the go-ahead to terminate all fuel conservation and additional austerity measures with immediate effect. These measures had been periodically notified by the Cabinet Division since March 9th, but the regulation concerning the closing timings for markets and bazaars will remain in place.
The notification specifies that shops, markets, shopping malls, and bazaars, including departmental and general stores, must adhere to the current routine of shutting down by 9 pm. Additionally, marriage halls, marquees, commercial spaces, and festive events are required to close by 10 pm, in accordance with the ongoing austerity measures.
Restaurants, caf©s, and food outlets will be allowed to operate until 11 pm. The ban does not apply to home delivery and takeaway services. Furthermore, essential services such as pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, laboratories, bakeries, tandoors, milk shops, petrol and CNG stations, electric vehicle charging stations, gyms, support facilities, IT companies, and call centers are exempt from these restrictions.
The notification also clarifies that the austerity measures put in place before March 9th, and notified by the Finance and Cabinet Divisions, will continue to be enforced.