Smart Lockdown Imposed in Pakistan, Decision Taken to Close Markets and Shops by 8 PM

New Delhi: The conflict in the Middle East has now lasted for over a month. The situation is deteriorating day by day. Meanwhile, conditions in India’s neighboring country have worsened significantly. In light of this, the Shehbaz government has decided to implement a “smart lockdown.” A decision has been taken to close markets, shops, and shopping malls by 8 PM across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, the Islamabad Capital Territory, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif presided over a crucial review meeting regarding the implementation of measures concerning petroleum products, energy conservation, and austerity. It was decided that markets, shops, and shopping malls in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, the Islamabad Capital Territory, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir would close by 8 PM. During the meeting, it was decided that markets, shops, and shopping malls located in the divisional headquarters of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would remain open until 9 PM. This decision was taken following consultations with the provincial government. Shops selling daily necessities, departmental stores, and all types of malls will also close by 8 PM.

The meeting also resolved that bakeries, restaurants, tandoors, and other eateries would close by 10 PM. Marriage halls, event tents, and other commercial venues hosting weddings will also remain closed after 10 PM. Furthermore, organizing wedding ceremonies on private properties or within homes after 10 PM will be prohibited. The operating hours for medical stores and pharmacies will be exempt from these restrictions.

Information presented during the meeting indicated that the consultation process regarding market hours and other operational timings in the Sindh province is currently underway. The process for transferring federal government subsidies on petroleum products via digital wallets is in progress, with 100,000 transactions already completed. Speaking at the meeting, the Prime Minister stated that he extends his gratitude to the Chief Ministers of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, for reaching a consensus on these critical matters of national importance. Consultations with stakeholders from the Sindh government are ongoing. I hope that, once the consultation process in this regard is concluded, the Chief Minister of Sindh will also soon join in this decision. The Prime Minister further announced that inter-city public transport in the cities of Gilgit and Muzaffarabad will remain free of charge for a period of one month; the entire cost of this initiative will be borne by the Federal Government.