Pakistan Sets New Timings for Markets, Restaurants

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved revised operating hours for markets, malls, and restaurants across the country, introducing a new nationwide schedule for commercial activities.

According to the updated policy, all shops, markets, and shopping malls will now close at 9 pm, while marriage halls, marquees, and commercial event venues will shut down by 10 pm.

Restaurants, hotels, and vegetable shops will be allowed to remain open until 11 pm under the new regulations.

However, several essential services have been exempted from these restrictions, including medical stores, IT companies, tandoors, gymnasiums, and fuel stations, which will continue to operate under existing schedules.

The Cabinet Division has already issued an official notification to enforce the revised timings across the country.

Earlier, the government had been reviewing adjustments to commercial hours as part of its broader austerity measures aimed at managing energy consumption and economic pressures.

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A meeting of the Committee for Monitoring and Implementation of Austerity Measures, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, had previously discussed extending business hours in response to seasonal conditions such as longer daylight and rising summer temperatures.

The government had earlier introduced austerity measures on March 9 in response to global energy concerns, including restrictions linked to regional instability and disruptions in international energy supply chains.

Authorities said provincial governments have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the revised schedule in coordination with federal institutions.

The austerity plan also includes reductions in fuel allowances for official vehicles, with exemptions for essential public service transport such as ambulances and buses.

Officials say the updated timings are part of broader efforts to balance economic activity with energy conservation and administrative efficiency.