The federal government has extended its austerity and fuel conservation measures until June 30 while approving revised operating hours for businesses as part of ongoing efforts to manage energy consumption and reduce fuel usage.
The decision was made during a meeting of the Committee for Monitoring and Implementation of Fuel Conservation and Additional Austerity Measures, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The committee reviewed requests from various ministries and departments before finalising a set of recommendations.
According to an official statement, the austerity measures, which were originally due to expire on June 13, will now remain in effect until the end of the month. The government said the extension is part of its broader strategy to conserve energy and address the impact of rising fuel costs.
The committee also approved revised business operating hours across the country. Standalone grocery and kiryana stores will now be allowed to remain open until 10pm on all days, including weekends. Under the updated schedule, shops, markets, shopping malls and general retail outlets will close at 9pm, while restaurants, cafés and other eateries may continue operating until 11pm.
Takeaway and delivery services have been exempted from the restrictions. Marriage halls and event venues will continue to close at 10pm, with no changes made to their operating hours.
Essential services, including pharmacies, hospitals, fuel stations, and information technology and telecommunications services, will remain exempt from the revised regulations.
In addition, the committee approved the continuation of consular attestation services on Fridays at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its liaison offices in several cities to facilitate public access.
Provincial governments have been directed to ensure effective implementation of the revised guidelines in coordination with federal authorities.
The austerity measures were first introduced in April as part of a national energy conservation plan amid higher fuel prices and regional uncertainties. Some restrictions had been temporarily relaxed during the Eidul Adha period.