KP govt withdraws orders for early market closure

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government withdrew its orders for early market and business closure on Saturday, almost six weeks after their issuance due to the rising oil prices amid the US-Iran war. A public notice issued from the chief secretary’s office said with the approval of competent authority, implementation of the prescribed market, commercial business closure timings is hereby suspended until further orders. “However, all citizens, commercial establishments, markets, plazas, marriage halls, restaurants and public sector offices are requested to continue observing electricity conservation measures, particularly avoidance of unnecessary and decorative lighting, prudent use of air conditioning and other non-essential electricity consumption, in the larger public interest,” it said. The notice, which comes into effect immediately, also stated provincial government appreciated the cooperation extended by the public, business community and all stakeholders towards responsible energy use and national resource conservation. Traders welcome move, say stakeholders should be consulted on matters affecting their businesses At the start of April, the KP government had ordered closure of markets, shopping plazas, commercial establishments and night-time sports activities in divisional headquarters by 9pm, while markets, shopping plazas and commercial establishments in other districts were ordered to close by 8pm. On Friday, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also spoke to Chief Minister Sohail Afridi regarding easing the restrictions on market closure. A statement issued from the Governor’s House said that Mr Kundi had asked the chief minister to ease the restrictions on market openings on the pattern of Punjab. According to it, Mr Kundi has also proposed to give exemption to shops, markets, shopping and malls from observing the timing restrictions. Chief Minister Afridi agreed with Mr Kundi’s suggestions. The statement quoted Mr Kundi saying the easing the restriction