Sindh announces market closures: notification issued

Karachi: In a decisive move aimed at curbing fuel consumption and reinforcing fiscal discipline, the Government of Sindh has unveiled a province-wide notification imposing strict new business operating hours, effective immediately.

Under the newly enforced policy, all shops, markets, and shopping malls located outside divisional headquarters will be mandatorily closed by 8:00 PM, seven days a week. In divisional headquarters, businesses will be permitted to operate until 9:00 PM, offering slightly extended hours in major urban centres.

The notification explicitly exempts essential services including tandoors, dairy outlets, bakeries, pharmacies, diagnostic laboratories, hospitals, and petrol pumps ensuring uninterrupted access to critical public needs.

Meanwhile, restaurants, hotels, and food outlets have been granted a defined operational window from 7:00 PM to 11:30 PM, while takeaway and home delivery services remain unrestricted, providing continued convenience to consumers.

Furthermore, marriage halls and banquet venues will now operate within fixed hours, from 8:00 PM to midnight, as part of the broader regulatory framework.

The government has directed commissioners and deputy commissioners, in close coordination with law enforcement agencies, to ensure rigorous implementation of these measures across all districts, signaling a firm commitment to compliance and enforcement.