People wait for their turn to refuel at a gas station in Peshawar. Photo: Reuters/File
QUETTA:
In response to the ongoing global energy crisis triggered by the Middle East conflict, the governments of Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have announced strict energy-saving measures, while Sindh has decided to freeze transport fares to provide relief to the people.
The governments of Balochistan and KP have fixed early market closure times to save energy, control power generation costs and provide relief to citizens affected by rising global fuel prices.
A notification issued by the Balochistan government has ordered the closure of all markets and shopping malls at 8:00 p.m., except pharmacies, tandoors, bakeries, wedding halls, banquet halls and hotels, which will close at 10:00 p.m.
Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Hamza Shafqaat directed district administrations and law enforcement agencies to ensure full compliance with the order, warning that violators would face legal action.
The measures were decided at a meeting of the National Steering Committee on Fuel Subsidies held on Saturday, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. “These measures are intended to protect low-income segments of the population from the burden of high fuel prices,” the order states.
Similarly, the KP authorities demanded that markets in divisional headquarters close at 9:00 p.m. and in other districts at 8:00 p.m. Wedding halls, marquees and similar venues, as well as restaurants, cafes and restaurants, must close by 10:00 p.m., although home delivery and takeaway services can continue.
The province exempts essential services such as agricultural and construction activities, laboratories, emergency health services, gas pumps for fuel distribution and tandoors preparing food for immediate consumption.
It also restricted non-essential lighting in commercial buildings, event venues and public offices, including decorative lighting, floodlights, billboards and LED screens. Air conditioning, escalators and elevators in commercial premises must not operate outside office hours.
In Karachi, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced a public assistance package aimed at mitigating the impact of rising fuel prices. Following consultations with hauliers, public transport and school van fares have been frozen, with the government providing a targeted subsidy.
“Sindh will contribute around Rs 14 billion to support carriers, thereby ensuring seamless service while protecting passengers from rising costs,” Shah said at a press conference. “These measures, which take effect immediately, are part of a coordinated national effort.”
(WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM OUR CORRESPONDENTS IN PESHAWAR AND KARACHI)
