In a high-level consultative meeting chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, traders and business representatives from Karachi discussed revised operating hours for markets, wedding halls, and restaurants. The session focused on the federal government’s directive to close markets earlier in the evening alongside ongoing smart lockdown measures.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah informed attendees that the federal government has mandated markets to close by 8:00 PM. While traders expressed willingness to comply in principle, they requested an extension of market hours until 9:00 PM. Wedding hall owners proposed that events should end between 10:00 PM and 11:00 PM, and restaurant operators sought permission to operate until midnight.
Additionally, wedding hall proprietors showed full support for enforcing a one-dish policy at events to align with health protocols. Business leader Rizwan Irfan highlighted concerns about simultaneous closures of markets, hotels, and marriage halls potentially causing severe traffic congestion in the city. He recommended staggered closing times for different sectors to alleviate traffic issues.
The provincial government will review all proposals submitted during the meeting before finalizing any decisions. Authorities emphasized that any policy would consider Karachi’s large population and the public’s needs to ensure practical implementation.
