All Markets and Shopping Centers Will Close by 8 PM – Balochistan Govt

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, the Balochistan government has formally started implementing the decisions related to “Kifayat Sheyari” (economy and austerity measures), following an official notification.

The Interior Department of Balochistan has issued new guidelines for markets, hotels, and marriage halls. According to the notification, all markets and shopping centers will close by 8 PM, while clinics and bakeries are exempt. Marriage halls and hotels are required to conclude all events by 10 PM.

Additional Chief Secretary Hamza Shafqat emphasized that hotels must also close by 10 PM and that the administration, along with law enforcement agencies, will ensure strict compliance. Citizens have been requested to fully cooperate with these measures.

However, the President of the Central Traders Association of Balochistan, Abdul Rahim Kakr, rejected the decision to close markets at 8 PM. He urged the government not to make unilateral decisions and called for consultation with traders, warning that forceful implementation could trigger province-wide protests. He also mentioned that traders are ready to close shops by 10 PM and marriage halls and restaurants by midnight.