Taking a cue from Sindh and Punjab, Islamabad too has decided to close commercial activities in the federal capital by 9pm to conserve electricity while accepting the government proposal in this regard, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The federal capital has decided to follow the government’s Save Energy Plan as it has ordered all markets, shopping malls, corner shops and godowns to shut down by 9pm today (Sunday).
According to the notification, the marriage halls and other functions could continue till 10pm while all trade and industrial centres, restaurants, clubs, parks, cinemas, and theatres would be closed by 11:30pm.
However, the ambulance service, medical centres, petrol pumps, bus stations, bread baking ovens (Tandoors), and milk, yogurt and vegetable shops are exempted from observing new timing.
The notification will remain in effect for two months.
On the other hand, the traders while rejecting the early closure of markets have requested the government to review its decision.
On the other hand, Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon said that the government order was being implemented keeping in view government’s plan to conserve energy. He said Section 144 would be imposed on those traders who would violate the order.
Reporter Tayyab Saif