KARACHI: In a move aimed at easing pressure on businesses and the public, the Sindh and Balochistan governments have exempted shops, markets, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, food outlets, wedding halls, and marquees from all previously imposed closing-time restrictions.
The Sindh government had enforced energy conservation measures across the province on April 10, setting early closing times for shops, restaurants, and wedding halls. Under the policy, shops in divisional headquarters were required to close by 9pm and those in other areas by 8pm. Restaurants could serve customers only between 7pm and 11:30pm, while wedding halls were allowed to operate from 8pm to midnight. Essential services such as pharmacies, petrol pumps, and bakeries remained exempt from the restrictions.
Announcing the decision on Saturday, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said business centres could now operate during their usual hours without restrictions.
He said the earlier timing limits had been introduced under the energy conservation and austerity policy.
Balochistan home department also decides to ease lockdown restrictions till June 1
“However, after reviewing feedback from traders and industrialists and assessing ground realities, the government decided to withdraw the restrictions to avoid disrupting business activity,” he added.
The senior minister said the provincial government believed in promoting business activity, urban convenience, and economic stability.
“All decisions are made while keeping public interest and stakeholder consultation in mind,” he said.
Mr Memon described the business community as the backbone of the country’s economy and said the government would continue taking steps to resolve their issues.
He said that even in difficult economic circumstances, the provincial government had prioritised protecting the interests of both the public and the business community.
“We will continue to introduce measures that support economic growth, employment, and business activity,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Balochistan home department has also decided to ease lockdown restrictions on the occasion of Eidul Azha and issued a notification in this regard late on Saturday evening.
The home department notification stated that the relaxation in lockdown restrictions will remain in effect until June 1.
Under the notification, all shops, business centres, shopping malls, and markets across the province will remain open.
Saleem Shahid in Quetta also contributed to this report
Published in Dawn, May 17th, 2026