Markets to shut down at 8:00 pm as CMs approve proposal

The chief ministers of three provinces and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary representing CM Mahmood Khan have endorsed the federal government’s proposal on the closure of markets at 8 pm to conserve energy.

The consensus was reached at the meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC), according to the declaration.

However, merchant organizations expressed reservations, stating that with prolonged power breakdown —which effectively forces customers to leave shops—closing markets earlier was not a workable solution.

The statement issued after the NEC meeting indicated that chief ministers commended the federal government’s efforts to address the energy crisis.

They assured the Prime Minister of their cooperation and said that they would consult with trade organizations and trade associations before granting an official deal.

Sindh, Baluchistan, and Punjab asked for two days for the consultation, according to the statement.