LAHORE: Punjab government and traders have agreed to enforce an energy-saving plan from June 20, ARY News reported, citing sources on Saturday.
The decision was taken after a meeting of traders with Punjab CM Hamza Shahbaz Sharif in Lahore, the notification in this regard will be issued soon, the sources said,
In the first phase, the energy-saving plan would be enforced in major cities of Punjab including Lahore and others.
According to sources, markets in Punjab will open 8 in the morning and close by 9:00pm.
Pharmacies, bakeries and petrol pumps will be exempted from timing restrictions. The authorities also mulling over an early closure of restaurants and hotels.
Read more: No plans to shut commercial feeders from 7-10 pm: Energy Ministry
It is to be mentioned here that the Sindh government on Friday announced the closure of all markets including shopping malls by 9:00 pm across the province to conserve electricity amid a crippling power crisis faced by the country.
According to a notification, markets will be closed by 9:00pm, marriage halls at 10.30pm and restaurants at 11:00 pm.
“All markets, shopping malls and shops shall be closed by 9 pm,” the notification read. Milk shops, bakeries and carriage vehicles for dairy products have been exempted from timing restrictions.
