Shops to close by 8 PM and wedding events to end by 10 PM under new energy-saving measures
GILGIT-BALTISTAN: Authorities in Gilgit-Baltistan have announced new operating hours for markets and wedding halls in an effort to ease pressure on energy resources and improve administrative discipline.
According to a notification issued by the Home Department, all markets, shops and commercial centers will close by 8:00 p.m., effective April 6, 2026. Medical stores and pharmacies have been exempted to ensure uninterrupted access to essential medicines.
The directive also mandates that all wedding halls and outdoor ceremony conclude by 10:00 P.M. Officials say the move aims to reduce unnecessary electricity consumption and promote energy conservation amid ongoing resource constraints.
Local administrations across districts have been instructed to strictly enforce the new timings. Citizens have also been urged to cooperate with authorities to collectively address the energy crisis.
The development comes as similar measures are under consideration at the federal level. During a recent meeting attended by Chief Ministers from all four provinces, proposals were discussed to further reduce market hours while allowing restaurants and wedding venues to operate until 10:00 p.m.
Officials believe that effective implementation of these measures could significantly reduce strain on the national grid and contribute to better energy management across the country.
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