BY: LATIF UR REHMAN
In view of the prevailing regional situation and the mounting pressure on fuel supplies, the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has announced a comprehensive set of temporary energy conservation measures aimed at ensuring the efficient and responsible use of electricity. The primary objective of these measures is to maintain an uninterrupted power supply while shielding the public from the escalating financial burden caused by rising electricity costs.
It is pertinent to note that a significant portion of electricity generation in the province relies on fuel-based sources. With global fuel prices witnessing a sharp upward trend, the cost of electricity has correspondingly surged. In response, the government has undertaken timely and prudent decisions, introducing practical measures that are designed not only to curb energy wastage but also to stabilize the growing strain on the power system. These initiatives are particularly focused on minimizing unnecessary electricity consumption during peak evening hours, while ensuring that essential services and economic activities continue without disruption.
According to directives issued by the Chief Secretary, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a structured discipline has been introduced in business operating hours across the province. In divisional headquarters, all markets, shopping plazas, and commercial centers will close by 9:00 PM, whereas in other districts, these timings will be restricted to 8:00 PM. Restaurants, cafés, and other dining establishments will close by 10:00 PM; however, home delivery and takeaway services will remain available for public convenience. Similarly, all functions at marriage halls, marquees, event halls, and lawns must conclude by 10:00 PM.
These directives will uniformly apply to private offices, consultancies, financial institutions, educational coaching centers, retail outlets, fitness centers, guest houses, catering services, and other commercial establishments to ensure a balanced approach to energy consumption. However, in recognition of essential public needs, certain services have been exempted. Medical stores and pharmacies will remain operational круглосуточно, while hospitals, laboratories, and emergency services will continue their functions uninterrupted. Tandoors will be limited strictly to the preparation of bread and naan, petrol pumps will operate solely for fuel supply, and public transport terminals will maintain only essential lighting. It has been clearly emphasized that no other business will qualify for exemption.
To prevent misuse of these concessions, the government has laid down stringent conditions. All exempted activities must strictly remain within their licensed and legitimate scope. Pharmacies will be restricted to the sale of medicines and must possess valid, separate licenses. Mixed-use businesses will not be eligible for exemptions, and no additional commercial activity will be permitted under the pretext of relief. Authorities have been directed to ensure strict verification of licenses, and any attempt to secure exemption through new registrations or alterations following the notification will not be entertained.
Recognizing the pivotal role of industry in the provincial economy, the industrial sector has been exempted from these restrictions, allowing all factories and production units to operate as usual. However, they have been advised to avoid unnecessary lighting, and their showrooms and sales outlets will adhere to the prescribed business hours.
Further directives have been issued to promote effective energy conservation. Decorative lighting of buildings, marquees, and plazas will remain completely switched off, while the use of floodlights and spotlights has been prohibited. Markets will be required to utilize only essential lighting, and billboards and LED screens will remain turned off. In commercial buildings, air conditioners, elevators, and escalators must be shut down after business hours, and the unnecessary use of generators will be discouraged.
Government offices have also been instructed to lead by example in responsible energy use. Immediate steps must be taken to switch off unnecessary lights and air conditioning, after-hours work should be limited strictly to essential needs, and all avoidable illumination in public buildings must be eliminated.
For effective implementation, Deputy Commissioners have been entrusted with full authority to ensure strict compliance within their respective districts. Regular inspections, license verification, and necessary administrative actions will be carried out. The government has made it unequivocally clear that violations of these directives will invite legal action.
The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has reiterated that these measures are temporary and have been introduced in the larger public interest to reduce pressure on the power system, protect citizens from additional financial strain, and foster a sense of collective national responsibility. The public is earnestly urged to cooperate fully and contribute towards building a stable and secure future through the prudent use of energy.
