Government Restores 7 PM Closing Time for Shopping Malls, Markets to Save Electricity

The government has reinstated the previous operating schedule for shopping malls, markets, and retail shops across the country, requiring them to close by 7:00 PM from Tuesday as part of its electricity conservation measures.

The decision also requires all illuminated billboards, trade fairs, commercial exhibitions, and cultural events to shut down by 7:00 PM.

The directive was issued by the Coordination-2 Wing of the Power Division and circulated to all city corporation mayors and administrators, divisional commissioners, and deputy commissioners across the country.

According to the directive, the 7:00 PM closing schedule had earlier been introduced under the Prime Minister’s energy-saving initiatives. However, shopping malls, markets, and shops were temporarily allowed to remain open until 10:00 PM during the Eid-ul-Azha period to facilitate increased commercial activities.

With the Eid holidays now over, the government has withdrawn the temporary relaxation and restored the previous closing time to reduce electricity consumption.

Under the revised instructions, all ongoing and upcoming fairs, trade exhibitions, and cultural programmes must conclude by 7:00 PM. Authorities have also made it mandatory for all billboard lights to be switched off at the same time.

Officials said the move is expected to contribute significantly to national energy conservation efforts and improve overall efficiency in electricity management.