Govt revises nationwide business closing timings, allows extended evening operations

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the updated schedule with immediate effect, says notification issued in this regard

ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-June 3^rd, 2026) The Federal government on Wednesday announced revised operating hours for businesses across the country, permitting markets, shops, and restaurants to remain open later in the evening amid longer daylight hours and rising summer temperatures.

An official notification issued by the Cabinet Division said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the updated schedule with immediate effect. The decision partially relaxes earlier restrictions introduced under fuel conservation and austerity measures announced in April.

Under the new timetable, shops, bazaars, shopping malls, departmental stores, grocery outlets, and general retail stores will close at 9pm daily, including weekends.

Restaurants, cafés, food outlets, and standalone fruit and vegetable shops have been allowed to operate until 11pm. Marriage halls and event venues will be permitted to remain open until 10pm. However, takeaway services and home delivery operations will remain exempt from these time restrictions.

The notification further stated that essential services, including pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, laboratories, bakeries, tandoors, dairy shops, fuel stations, CNG outlets, and electric vehicle charging points, will not be bound by the revised closing hours.

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It also exempted gyms, sports facilities, padel courts, IT companies, and call centres from the restrictions.

Provincial and regional administrations have been directed to implement the revised timings accordingly. The new schedule replaces earlier curbs introduced as part of a broader energy conservation strategy aimed at reducing fuel consumption and managing import costs.

The austerity drive was initially introduced following volatility in global energy markets triggered by heightened geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Disruptions in maritime routes, including developments around the Strait of Hormuz, had contributed to rising international oil prices and increased pressure on Pakistan’s import bill.

In response, authorities had repeatedly adjusted petroleum prices in recent months, citing global market trends and the need to maintain supply stability. The sharpest increases were recorded in April.

Earlier, in March, the government imposed nationwide austerity measures, including reduced commercial hours, limits on official fuel usage, and cuts in discretionary allowances. These measures were briefly relaxed during Eid but reinstated shortly afterwards as part of ongoing energy management efforts.