ISLAMABAD, 01 JUN (DNA) — The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has announced new business operating hours under ongoing austerity measures, directing shops, markets and shopping malls to close by 8:00pm throughout the week.
The revised notification, effective from June 1, 2026, also requires restaurants, grocery stores and event venues to close by 10:00pm, while several essential services have been exempted from the restrictions.
According to the notification, all shops, markets and shopping malls will remain open only until 8:00pm on weekdays as well as weekends. However, a number of sectors have been exempted from the closing-time restriction due to the nature of their services.
The exempted facilities include pharmacies, medical stores, medical supply outlets, laboratories and hospitals. Petrol pumps and CNG stations will also continue to operate under their existing schedules. Milk and dairy shops have been excluded from the restriction as well.
In addition, sports facilities, including gyms and padel courts, will remain operational beyond the specified closing time. Call centres and information technology companies working with international clients have also been granted exemption.
The notification further states that restaurants, food outlets, tandoors, grocery stores, kiryana shops, meat shops, fruit and dry fruit sellers, vegetable vendors and bakeries must close by 10:00pm. However, takeaway and home delivery services will continue without any time limitation.
Marriage halls, marquees and other commercial venues hosting ceremonies and festive gatherings will also be required to close by 10:00pm throughout the week. The same closing time will apply to similar events held at private premises.
Authorities said the revised timings are part of measures aimed at reducing energy consumption and managing resources more effectively. The notification will come into force on June 1, 2026, and will remain effective until further orders.— DNA
