By Ali Imran Abbasi
ISLAMABAD:The capital administration on Tuesday decided to strictly enforce austerity and fuel conservation measures across Islamabad, including early closure of markets and commercial activities, in line with federal government directives.The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Commissioner Islamabad and Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Sohail Ashraf. Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon, and senior officials of the district administration, CDA and Islamabad Police attended the meeting.
Officials informed the meeting that all shops, markets, departmental stores, shopping malls and bazaars would close at 8pm throughout the week, with strict legal action against violations.Bakeries, restaurants, tandoors and grocery stores will be allowed to operate till 10pm, after which they must shut down. Marriage halls, marquees and other venues hosting events and social gatherings will also close at 10pm. Pharmacies and medical stores, however, will be exempt from these timings.The meeting was told that enforcement had already begun, with authorities engaging stakeholders, including trader bodies and market committees, to ensure compliance. Awareness campaigns and announcements were also being carried out in various markets and commercial centres.The police chief said Islamabad Police would work closely with the district administration to ensure implementation of the measures “in true letter and spirit”.Ashraf directed authorities to ensure coordinated enforcement in both urban and rural areas of the capital, stressing the need for an effective monitoring mechanism and uniform compliance with federal directives.
