Nation-wide austerity drive  begins in Mirpur AJK: Working hours of commercial activities reduced

MIRPUR  (AJK), Apr 8 (APP):The authorities in Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir ordered reduced operating hours for commercial activities as part of a nationwide austerity drive, the officials source said on Wednesday.

Under directives issued by Deputy Commissioner Chaudhry Sajid Hussain, all markets, shops and shopping malls must close by 8 p.m., including on weekends.

Hotels, restaurants and fast-food outlets are required to shut by 10 p.m., according to the order. However, takeaway and delivery services would remain permitted, it added.

The directive also mandated that wedding halls and banquet facilities close by 10 p.m., while private events at homes and farmhouses would be subject to the same deadline.

Essential services — including medical stores, laboratories, hospitals, petrol pumps, CNG stations, tandoors, bakeries and milk shops — are exempt from the restrictions.

The authorities warned that legal action would be taken against the violators. The measures took immediate effect and will remain in place until further notice.

The district administration said the steps were taken in line with government instructions amid economic pressures and evolving international conditions, aiming to conserve national resources through what it described as “smart lockdown” measures.