Pakistani govt reimposes early market closure in Islamabad amid energy crisis
Islamabad, June 1
As part of energy conservation measures implemented after the fuel price increase and supply constraints caused by the conflict in West Asia, the Islamabad Capital Territory Administration on Monday issued orders about business timings across the city, requiring markets and malls to shut by 8 pm, according to local media reports.
As per the orders that took effect on June 1, the closure timings is applicable in all major markets and shopping centres in Islamabad. However, essential services are exempt from the restrictions. Pharmacies, hospitals and medical stores will continue to function without any change in their timings and petrol pumps and CNG stations will remain open as per their normal timings, Pakistan-based Geo News reported.
Restaurants, food outlets, grocery shops, bakeries, and fruit and vegetable stores have been ordered to close by 10 pm. Wedding halls, lawns and marquees have been ordered to shut by 10 pm. According to officials, the measure has been taken as part of efforts to reduce energy consumption and streamline commercial activity during peak hours, Geo News reported.
Pakistani authorities' latest decision comes after a series of relaxations and adjustments made in business hours in Pakistan as the government tries to balance economic activity with energy-saving targets.
Earlier in May, the Human Rights Council (HRC) of Pakistan strongly condemned the recent increase in petroleum product prices in the country, calling it a "direct assault" on the public.
The remarks came after the Pakistani government increased the petrol prices by Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 14.92 per litre and those of high-speed diesel (HSD) by PKR 15 per litre. According to the Petroleum Division's press release, the revised rates - PKR 414.78 per litre for petrol and PKR 414.58 for HSD.
"This increase is not merely a change in numbers but a direct assault on the daily lives of millions of poor, working-class, and middle-class families. For the people already crushed under the burdens of inflation, unemployment, and low income, this decision is intolerable. When fuel becomes expensive, it's not just vehicles that come to a halt; the prices of flour, lentils, vegetables, milk, medicines, and other essentials also start touching the skies," the HRC of Pakistan stated.
"This decision is proving to be particularly devastating for rickshaw drivers, daily wage labourers, transport workers, students, and the white-collar class. The poor man is now not only under economic pressure but also grappling with severe mental stress, helplessness, and fear of the future," it added.
The rights body called on the Pakistani authorities to immediately reverse the increase in the petroleum product prices and provide urgent relief to the public by reducing the unnecessary privileges enjoyed by the elite class.
It demanded an end to the arbitrary hike in transport fares and essential commodity prices, urging the government to prioritise "human compassion and public hardships" in economic decisions.
"Human rights are not confined to speeches and resolutions. They are the fundamental right of every citizen to live a dignified and secure life," the HRC of Pakistan noted.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Living in Delhi, I know how tough power cuts can be. But this is next level. Forcing markets to shut at 8pm will hurt small shopkeepers the most. And petrol at PKR 414 per litre? That's like ₹180 per litre in India, which is already high but their wages are lower. The HRC's statement about rickshaw drivers is spot on. 😔
While I empathize with the common Pakistani citizens, I can't help but notice the irony. Pakistan's government always blames 'West Asia conflict' or 'India' for their problems. But where is the long-term planning? India faces energy challenges too, but we have diversified sources and invested in solar and wind. They need to look inward.
As someone who travels to Pakistan occasionally for work, this is heartbreaking. The energy crisis there is real - even in Islamabad, we've seen load-shedding for hours. But shutting markets at 8pm won't solve anything when the root cause is theft, circular debt, and poor governance. The elite class is untouched while the poor suffer.
Yaar, I feel for the people there. But also, why does Pakistan keep hiking fuel prices instead of using their own coal and hydel resources? They have the capacity. It's all politics. The rich politicians and generals don't feel the pinch. That HRC statement is powerful - 'human rights are not confined to speeches'. Exactly. 👏
I'm genuinely curious - why is Pakistan's energy grid so fragile? India also imports oil but we manage better. Is it
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