Quetta/Peshawar, April 5, 2026: The governments of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday announced sweeping energy conservation measures, including early closure of markets, restaurants, and wedding halls, amid the ongoing power crisis.
Balochistan announces 8pm market closure
According to a notification issued by the provincial Home Department, all markets and shopping centres in Balochistan will close by 8pm. However, pharmacies, tandoors, and bakeries have been exempted from the restriction.
The order further stated that events at wedding halls, banquet halls, and hotels must conclude by 10pm, while restaurants are also required to shut by the same time.
Authorities have directed district administrations and law enforcement agencies to ensure strict implementation, warning that violators will face legal action.
KP sets district-wise timings
In a similar move, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government issued a public notice setting different closure timings. Markets, shopping plazas, and commercial establishments in divisional headquarters will close by 9pm, while those in other districts must shut by 8pm.
Restaurants, cafes, and eateries are to close by 10pm, although takeaway and home delivery services will remain allowed beyond these hours.
Marriage halls, marquees, and event venues have also been instructed to conclude all functions by 10pm.
Exemptions and restrictions
The KP notification outlined several exemptions, including emergency health services, pharmacies, tandoors, petrol pumps (fuel dispensing only), public transport terminals, and industrial units engaged in genuine production activities.
However, strict conditions have been imposed on medical stores and pharmacies, limiting exemptions to their primary licensed activity and prohibiting additional commercial operations under the guise of essential services.
Authorities also banned decorative and non-essential lighting on commercial buildings, plazas, and event venues, including illuminated billboards and LED displays after business hours. The use of air-conditioning, escalators, lifts, and generators for non-essential activities beyond closing times has also been restricted.
Government offices have been directed to ensure strict compliance with energy-saving measures, including switching off lights and equipment after office hours, with no non-essential after-hours activity permitted.
Officials said deputy commissioners would oversee enforcement, including inspections and verification of business activities.
The measures, effective from April 6, have been described as temporary steps aimed at reducing pressure on the power system and easing the financial burden on citizens.
Traders reject decision in Quetta
Meanwhile, traders in Quetta have strongly opposed the new timings. Addressing a press conference, Central Anjuman-i-Tajiran Balochistan President Abdul Rahim Kakar termed the decision “anti-trader” and warned of protests if implemented.
He argued that markets should remain open until 10pm, while restaurants and wedding halls should be allowed to operate until midnight. Comparing the restrictions to COVID-19 lockdowns, Kakar said the measures would further damage businesses already struggling with inflation, high utility costs, and declining trade activity.
He added that Balochistan’s economy largely depends on commerce, and ongoing challenges such as border closures and unemployment have already put significant strain on traders.
