**LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad capital administration and the Punjab government have decided to implement an energy conservation programme, owing to a growing energy shortfall and persistent electricity load-shedding.

“Markets will be closed at 9pm, wedding halls at 10pm and restaurants and hotels at 11:30pm. The notification will be valid for the next two months,” said the notification issued by the capital city deputy commissioner.

The move comes after Sindh implemented an energy crisis emergency to narrow down the demand-supply gap in energy and reduce load-shedding.

“There is an urgent need to take the effective measures for the conservation of energy in Islamabad Capital Territory by doing business activities on day light without imparting possible adverse effects on the business activities so that electricity remains available for critical establishments,” it said.

Exceptions

• Hospitals and laboratories
• Commercial ambulance service areas
• Medical clinics
• Pharmacies and medical stores (sale of medical and pharmaceutical goods only, all other store sections to remain closed/off)
• Petrol pumps (only retail fuel services)
• Tyre repair shops
• Service areas, Bus stops
• Sabzi Mandi
• Milk shops
• Any other essential business expressly exempted through notification

Provinces’ decisions come after the federal cabinet announcement of the decision to reduce the duration of load shedding from hours long to two hours by the end of this month.

Punjab

Punjab has also taken a similar step, getting support from most of the traders. The notification will be implemented from June 20. “There would be no closing hours for markets on Saturday, however, it will remain closed on Sunday or Friday,” it said.

Key points

• Markets to close at 9pm
• Restaurants and food markets to shut at 11:30pm

Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Mian Nauman Kabir was in favour of the decision and has announced support for the government’s initiative during the ongoing difficult times.

However, some businessmen did not support it and urged the government to let markets remain open until 10pm.