The government has once again directed all shopping malls, markets, and shops across the country to close by 7:00 pm as part of its intensified electricity-saving measures.
Earlier, the closing time had been temporarily extended to 10:00 pm to facilitate business activities during the Eid-ul-Azha. With the end of the Eid special relaxation period, the earlier schedule has now been reinstated.
The directive was issued on Monday by the Coordination-2 branch of the Power Division and has been sent to all city corporation mayors and administrators, divisional commissioners, and deputy commissioners.
According to the order, the 7:00 pm closing time had originally been enforced in line with instructions from the Prime Minister aimed at conserving electricity. It was relaxed during Eid-ul-Azha to support commercial activities and boost sales.
Following the expiry of the temporary relaxation, the previous schedule has been restored from June 1. Accordingly, all shopping malls, markets, and shops must now complete their operations by 7:00 pm.
The directive also instructs that all types of billboard lighting must be switched off by 7:00 pm to ensure energy savings. The same restriction will apply to fairs, trade exhibitions, and cultural programmes held across the country.