DPM Reviews Ongoing Austerity Measures with Focus on Market Hours

Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar chaired a meeting of the Committee for Monitoring and Implementation of Austerity Measures at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad today. The Committee reviewed ongoing austerity measures, focusing on market closing hours in the context of extended daylight and higher summer temperatures.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Committee decided to extend the closing hours of shops, markets, malls, and general retail shops until 9:00 pm. Additionally, it was decided that restaurants, cafes, and eateries will close by 11:00 pm, though takeaway and delivery services will be exempted from these restrictions. The meeting also resolved that marriage halls and event venues will close at 10:00 pm, with essential services like pharmacies, hospitals, fuel stations, and IT and telecom-related services remaining exempt.

The Committee directed provincial governments to ensure effective implementation of these guidelines in coordination with federal authorities. It also considered and approved other matters and cases on the agenda. The meeting was attended by ministers from Petroleum, Climate Change, Information, IT and Telecommunications, the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Finance, and senior officials from various departments and provincial governments.