Islamabad: The federal government has extended the closing time of grocery and kiryana stores across Pakistan, aiming to improve public convenience while maintaining ongoing austerity and administrative efficiency measures.
According to Beyond Time News, the decision was taken during a high-level meeting of the Committee for Monitoring and Implementation of Fuel Conservation and Additional Austerity Measures, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad.
The meeting reviewed multiple proposals from government ministries seeking adjustments and exemptions in existing austerity policies. Officials finalized several recommendations aimed at balancing public facilitation with cost-saving reforms.
Government Focuses on Public Convenience
The committee approved the extension of operating hours for standalone grocery and kiryana stores. Under the new decision, these shops will now remain open until 10:00 PM daily, including weekends.
As a result, citizens will have more flexible access to essential household items, especially in urban areas where working hours often limit shopping opportunities.
Furthermore, the government said the move is designed to support both consumers and small business owners by increasing business activity in the retail sector.
Austerity Measures Reviewed and Extended
In addition to grocery store timings, the committee also reviewed the broader austerity framework.
Officials decided to extend certain austerity measures, which were originally set to expire on June 13, until June 30. This extension ensures continuity in financial discipline policies while allowing additional time for evaluation.
Moreover, the committee emphasized the importance of maintaining fiscal responsibility across government departments while ensuring essential public services remain unaffected.
Foreign Ministry Services to Operate on Fridays
The meeting also approved an important facilitation step for citizens using consular services.
Consular attestation services at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with liaison offices in Quetta, Karachi, Peshawar, Gujrat, and Lahore, will now remain open on Fridays as well.
This decision aims to reduce delays and improve access for individuals requiring document verification and related services.
Consequently, citizens will benefit from extended service availability, particularly those who face difficulty accessing offices during regular working days.
Senate Reports Significant Savings Under Austerity Drive
Separately, the Senate of Pakistan has reported major financial savings following the implementation of a nationwide austerity and expenditure control initiative.
According to official details, the upper house returned Rs1.436 billion to the national treasury after achieving substantial budgetary savings during the fiscal year.
Officials stated that the savings exceeded the Finance Division’s target by 500 percent, reflecting improved financial management and stricter spending controls.
Additionally, the Senate’s savings account for nearly 15.9 percent of its total budget for the fiscal year 2025–26.
Reforms Introduced From Within Senate Leadership
The austerity drive was initiated under the leadership of Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani.
The reforms began at the chairman’s own office and were later expanded across the entire Senate Secretariat. As a result, a structured framework of expenditure control, efficiency improvements, and cost-cutting measures was implemented.
Moreover, officials said the initiative aims to institutionalize long-term financial discipline within parliamentary operations.
Read more:Islamabad Enforces Strict New Business Closing Hours to Cut Energy Waste
Balancing Austerity With Public Relief
While the government continues to enforce fiscal tightening measures, recent decisions reflect an effort to balance savings with public relief.
Extending grocery store hours and improving access to government services demonstrate a shift toward citizen-friendly governance.
At the same time, the continuation of austerity policies highlights the government’s commitment to reducing unnecessary expenditures and improving financial discipline.
Conclusion
The latest decisions from the federal committee show a dual approach: strengthening austerity measures while also easing restrictions that affect everyday citizens.
By extending retail hours and improving access to essential services, the government aims to support public convenience without compromising its broader economic management strategy.
As these measures take effect, both consumers and small businesses are expected to benefit from increased flexibility and improved service accessibility.
FAQs
Why has the government extended grocery store hours?
The government extended hours to improve public convenience and make essential goods more accessible for citizens.
Until what time can grocery stores now operate?
Standalone grocery and kiryana stores can now remain open until 10:00 PM every day, including weekends.
Which government services will now remain open on Fridays?
Consular attestation services at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its liaison offices will remain open on Fridays.
What is the purpose of extending austerity measures?
The extension ensures continued financial discipline while allowing more time to evaluate existing cost-saving policies.
How much money did the Senate save under austerity reforms?
The Senate saved Rs1.436 billion and returned it to the national treasury.
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