ISLAMABAD: The District Administration Islamabad has announced new closing hours for markets, shopping centres, restaurants and other commercial outlets across the federal capital.
The revised timings took effect on June 10, 2026, and will remain in place until further notice as part of the government’s energy conservation and austerity efforts.
According to a notification issued by the District Magistrate’s Office, all shops, markets, bazaars, shopping malls and departmental stores must shut down by 9:00pm.
Grocery stores, kiryana shops, marriage halls, marquees and other event venues have been allowed to continue operations until 10:00pm.
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Restaurants, cafes, food outlets as well as standalone fruit and vegetable shops, can remain open until 11:00pm.
The notification states that takeaway and home delivery services are not affected by the restrictions and may continue operating beyond the prescribed hours.
The administration has also exempted essential services from the revised schedule.
Hospitals, pharmacies, medical laboratories, petrol pumps, IT companies, call centres, gyms, sports facilities and other key services will continue functioning according to their existing operating hours to ensure uninterrupted public access.
Officials said the revised business hours are part of the federal government’s broader strategy to conserve energy, introduced earlier this year.
Authorities believe that limiting commercial operating hours can help reduce electricity demand and fuel consumption, especially during the summer season, when power usage typically peaks.
Similar measures have already been introduced in various cities across the country under the government’s energy-saving and austerity initiatives.