India, April 7 -- The Pakistan government has decided to close markets and shopping malls across the country by 8 pm-except in Sindh-as part of energy conservation measures amid the ongoing Middle East crisis, according to media reports.

The decision was taken on Monday during a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office and cited by Dawn News, markets in divisional headquarters of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be allowed to remain open until 9 pm. Consultations are ongoing regarding revised business hours in Sindh.

The meeting also decided that bakeries, restaurants, tandoors and other food outlets must close by 10 pm. Marriage halls, marquees and ...