Federal govt extends closing times for markets, restaurants under austerity measures

Pakistan's federal government has decided to extend the operating hours for shops, markets, and restaurants as part of its ongoing austerity measures. This move comes in response to the economic challenges posed by the Middle East war and the resulting global energy crisis.

The decision was finalized during a meeting of the Committee for Monitoring and Implementation of Austerity Measures, which was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The government cited longer daylight hours and rising summer temperatures as factors influencing the revised schedule.

These extended hours are intended to help mitigate the economic impact of the crisis, which was exacerbated by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The government had previously announced significant austerity measures on March 9 to brace for these economic consequences. The revised closing times now set shops and markets to close at 9 pm, and restaurants and cafes also at 9 pm.