After Sindh, Punjab to close markets at 9pm in a bid to conserve energy.

LAHORE -- Chief Minister Punjab Hamza Shahbaz on Saturday announced that markets across the province would close at 9pm as the government seeks to conserve energy following a power crisis hitting the country.

The chief minister made the announcement during a meeting with representatives from trade associations, according to an official post-meeting statement.

The updated timings (effective from Monday):

Markets, shops, and businesses to shut down at 9pm

Marriage halls to be closed at 10pm

Restaurants close at 11pm

Traders to be given special exemption on Saturdays

Time limitations do not apply to medical stores

The chief minister said on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, the government will consult with the traders and adjust the timings if required.

The traders, according to the statement, have announced their complete support for the government's steps to save energy.

Sindh's measures

A day earlier, the Sindh government announced that markets across the province will shut down at 9pm to save electricity as the country...