Traders outrightly reject govt's decision of early markets closure.

KARACHI -- After the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led coalition government announced to shut all malls and markets by 8:30pm in new energy conservation, the trading community Tuesday rejected the decision and sought its revocation.

All-Pakistan Anjuman Tajiran (APAT) President Ajmal Baloch, in a statement, asserted that the shops will not close before 10pm, while restaurants will remain open till 11pm.

Following consultations with the traders, restaurant, and hall owners, the government - under its National Energy Conservation Plan initially unveiled on December 20 - has decided to enforce the closure of markets by 8:30pm and wedding halls at 10pm.

In response, the business community lamented that despite strong protests and assurance from the authorities, the government decided to impose its "unilateral" decision.

Terming the government's strategy for saving energy by halting the economic growth 'counter effective', Ajmal suggested that government officials stop using air conditioners and heaters in offices while protocols and allowances are given to bureaucrats and rulers should be stopped.

He noted that the business community purchases the most expensive electricity, and therefore, favourable strategies...