The federal government has decided not to implement daylight saving time (DST), following a comprehensive review of empirical data by a special panel formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in October 2025.
According to a news report, the panel, led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, was tasked with assessing the potential impact of DST on energy conservation, power demand, and environmental factors during the winter months. After reviewing historical data and international case studies, the panel concluded that the practice would not significantly benefit Pakistan’s energy usage or environmental goals.
The committee’s terms of reference included evaluating potential energy savings based on load-curve data, reviewing global best practices, and estimating reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Despite prior assumptions that DST could help reduce energy demand, the panel determined that the potential benefits did not outweigh the disruptions it could cause.
Pakistan has not observed DST since 2009, after experimenting with the practice in 2002, 2008, and 2009 as a temporary measure to help mitigate energy shortages.Â
While DST was initially viewed as a way to conserve electricity and protect workers from the heat during peak summer months, the latest findings suggest it would have limited impact on energy conservation in the current context.
As a result, the government will not adopt DST in the foreseeable future.
