Lights out.

THE Sindh government yesterday became the first provincial administration to enforce the early closure of markets in a bid to conserve electricity. According to a notification issued by the province's home secretary, all markets have been told to shut shop by 9pm. Likewise, eateries have been told to lock up by 11pm, while marriage halls have been told to conclude events before 10.30pm. Medical stores, pharmacies, hospitals, petrol pumps, CNG stations, bakeries and milk shops will remain exempt from the restriction, which will hold for a 30-day period. The strategy, first implemented as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of coronavirus when the pandemic was in full swing, will now be used to divert more electricity to household consumers, who have been suffering extended hours of loadshedding in oppressive heat and humidity. Other provinces are also deliberating similar moves and are expected to take their decisions on the matter soon.

It is a less-than-ideal solution to Pakistan's energy shortfall, but it will count. It is clear that the country urgently needs to rationalise energy...