In a preemptive move to tackle a potential energy crisis, the Balochistan administration and the local business community have agreed to enforce early closing times for commercial establishments across the province.
Following a consensus reached today between the provincial government and trader organizations, markets will now close at 8 PM, while restaurants and wedding halls will be required to shut by 10 PM.
The decision was finalized in a meeting with Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, where the Anjuman-e-Tajiran and other trade bodies endorsed the government’s austerity measures.
Chief Minister Bugti stressed the immediate need for the measures, stating, “Pakistan and the entire region are passing through a critical situation, and a national consensus on serious steps is inevitable.”
He further warned of “fears of an energy crisis after petroleum products,” emphasizing that “preemptive measures are the need of the hour.”
The Chief Minister invoked a sense of national duty, saying that in the current situation, “as a nation, we must fulfill our responsibilities.” He described the new schedule as a step towards global standards, stating, “Civilized working hours are practiced all over the world, and we too must adopt these principles in the national interest.”
Representatives of the Anjuman-e-Tajiran Balochistan assured their cooperation, announcing full support for the government’s actions. The representatives said, “We are fully aware of the current situation and support the measures taken by the Government of Balochistan.”