Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik said that the country’s leadership is considering early market closures as part of its austerity drive aimed at mitigating the energy crisis stemming from Middle East tensions.
Speaking to media, the minister referred to a meeting held a day earlier, which was attended by the chief ministers of all four provinces. “The participants sought consideration over early market closures as part of the austerity measures,” he said, adding that if the proposal is implemented, markets would be shut earlier than the normal schedule.
He added that only wedding halls and restaurants would be allowed to operate until 10pm.
