The Government of Balochistan has announced new Balochistan market closing hours for markets, shopping centres, restaurants, and wedding venues across the province as part of administrative measures to regulate business timings.
According to the Balochistan Home Department, all markets and shopping centres in Quetta will now close at 8:00 PM. Meanwhile, restaurants and hotels have been directed to shut operations by 10:00 PM.
The new schedule also applies to wedding halls, banquet halls, and hotels, where all events must conclude by 10:00 PM. The orders were issued by the Additional Chief Secretary (Home).
However, the restrictions do not cover essential services. Medical stores, tandoors, and naan shops have been exempted and can continue operating beyond the new closing times.
Why the New Timings Were Introduced
Officials said the revised business hours are part of wider administrative efforts in the province. The move also comes as authorities discuss energy-saving measures at both the provincial and federal levels.
Earlier, a proposal was floated to close markets, bazaars, and commercial zones at 8:00 PM to help address the ongoing energy crisis, according to the source text. That proposal formed part of broader consultations involving all four provinces and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Read: KP Sets New Business Hours to Cut Electricity Use
According to the source text, the federal government has stepped up consultations to develop an energy conservation plan in response to regional tensions and rising costs.
Sources in the Ministry of Energy said the plan proposes that bazaars and commercial zones nationwide operate from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. It also suggests that restaurants and hotels should close by 10:00 PM.
To move the plan forward, provincial governments, chambers of commerce, and trade organisations have been asked to provide feedback. Authorities have also gathered electricity consumption data from power distribution companies to assess how much energy these timing changes could save.
