Karachi: Taking notice of prolonged electricity loadshedding, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah on Monday directed to close down marketplaces early at 9 PM in a bid to save power during the summer months.
A statement issued here said that the chief minister has also summoned an emergency meeting of concerned authorities and stakeholders today at the CM House.
Shah directed the concerned authorities to invoke Section-144 ensuring that all marketplaces are closed by 9 PM. He also ordered to shut lights of advertisement hoardings at 9 PM, adding that street lamps should be only be switched on with a gap of one light pole.
The chief minister also urged the provincial administration offices to not switch on air conditions before 11 AM, adding that strict action will be taken against those who fail to abide by the directives.
Unannounced loadshedding and power outages have added to the woes of Karachiites as the three-day death toll from heatwave crossed 475 early on Tuesday, with citizens of the metropolis bracing the hottest summer in a decade.