KARACHI: Traders in the city of lights have proposed to close the markets at 9 pm and restaurants from 11 pm to midnight. In a meeting on the subject of energy crises held at Commissioner Karachi Office, traders proposed the plan seeking limiting times for the closure of the markets.  

A suggestion by traders were put forward in the meeting, for closing the markets at 6 pm, shopping malls or market places by 9 pm, likewise restaurants and wedding halls from 11 pm to midnight.

Moreover, the traders requested to not file cases for any delays in the closing of the markets by the traders. The traders also demanded a better and safe traffic measures in the city. They added that the early closure of the market will cause a traffic jam in the metropolis.

Saeed Ghani, Sindh Labour Minister said the working hours will be dependent on the trader’s decision. He said the decision will be made in particular with the saving the energy crises while using solar power. Ghani added, that consultation will also be taken with the stakeholders.

Highlighting the electricity crises, the Labour Minister said, that how businesses will operate when there is no electricity for six to eight hours.

The meeting was attended by Muhammad Iqbal Memon, Karachi Commissioner, Saeed Ghani, Labour Minister, Ikramullah Dharejo, Trade Minister, Mukesh Chawla, Excise Minister, Dr. Saif-ur-Rehman, Karachi Administrator, and other representatives for the associations.

Energy Conservation Plan

In a press conference held by the federal ministers on last week, new energy conservation plans were unveiled, with orders to close markets, wedding halls, restaurants by 8 pm. The conference was attended by Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Maryum Aurangzeb, and Qamar Zaman Kaira.

Speaking at the press conference, the Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said that the wedding halls will close at 10 pm. The restaurant timings can be subjectively extended to an hour or so, he added.

The minister also stressed that allowing 20% of the workforce to work from home on rotational basis will save Rs56 billion.