Islamabad (The COW News Digital)The Federal Cabinet Division issued a comprehensive notification implementing immediate nationwide austerity and energy-saving measures to counter escalating global oil prices.
Under the new directives, markets, shopping malls, and general commercial centers across the country must close by 9:00 PM. Wedding halls and event venues are mandated to shut by 10:00 PM while strictly maintaining a “one-dish” rule for receptions. Restaurants, cafes, and food outlets face an 11:00 PM operational cutoff, though home delivery and takeaway services remain exempt from the curfew.
Essential services including pharmacies, hospitals, bakeries, tandoors, milk shops, petrol pumps, electric vehicle charging stations, and call centers have been exempted from the operational time restrictions.
To curb administrative expenses, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved a 50 percent fuel reduction for official government vehicles over the next three months. Additionally, a complete ban has been enforced on official overseas travel, foreign dinners, and the purchase of new state vehicles and durable goods, excluding IT equipment. Furthermore, a 5 percent monthly deduction will apply to the Non-ERE budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27 to optimize national resources.
