The federal government has announced revised operating hours for businesses across Pakistan under its ongoing austerity and fuel conservation measures, directing provincial governments to ensure implementation of the new schedule.
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According to an official notification issued on Wednesday, shops, markets, shopping malls and general retail outlets will be required to close by 9pm each day. Restaurants, cafés and other food establishments will be permitted to remain open until 11pm.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the Committee for Monitoring and Implementation of Austerity Measures, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
Authorities clarified that takeaway and delivery services will not be affected by the restrictions and may continue operating beyond the prescribed closing times. Marriage halls and event venues will maintain their existing closing schedule of 10pm.
Notification Fuel Conservation and Austerity 3.6.2026 by msabih279
Several essential services have been exempted from the new regulations. These include pharmacies, hospitals, petrol stations, and businesses operating in the information technology and telecommunications sectors.
The federal government has asked provincial administrations to coordinate with relevant authorities to ensure effective enforcement of the revised business hours across the country.
The latest measures are part of a broader energy conservation strategy introduced earlier this year in response to rising fuel prices and increased energy costs linked to regional geopolitical tensions. Restrictions on commercial operating hours were first implemented in April as part of efforts to reduce electricity consumption and fuel usage.
However, those measures were temporarily relaxed ahead of Eid ul Adha to facilitate shopping and commercial activity. The federal government had granted a nationwide exemption from business closure timings until the end of May, while provincial governments also suspended restrictions during the festive period.
Despite the new federal notification, uncertainty remains regarding implementation, as provincial governments have yet to issue formal directives adopting the revised schedule within their respective jurisdictions.
Business groups and traders are expected to closely monitor developments in the coming days as authorities move towards restoring the energy-saving measures nationwide.
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The government maintains that the policy is aimed at reducing energy consumption while balancing economic activity and public convenience.