Pakistan’s federal government has reintroduced austerity and fuel-saving measures in response to rising international oil prices.
Under the measures, markets, shops and malls will close by 9pm, marriage halls by 10pm, and restaurants, cafés and eateries by 11pm. Takeaway and home-delivery services will remain exempt.
The government will also reduce official vehicle fuel allocations by 50% for three months and require departments to cut non-employee spending by 5% each month.
New government vehicle purchases, certain durable-goods procurement and most foreign travel have also been restricted for three months. Provincial governments have been advised to consider similar measures.
