Islamabad Revises Business Hours; Shops to Close at 9 PM

Updated: 12:53 PM PKT — June 3, 2026

The Cabinet Division has formally issued a notification detailing the revised business hours for Islamabad as part of a federal austerity campaign. The notification confirms that commercial activities, including marriage halls and marquees, must conclude by 10:00 PM, while clarifying that bakeries, tandoors, and milk and yogurt shops are among the services exempt from the time restrictions.

Updated: 12:22 PM PKT — June 3, 2026

Actor Fahad Mustafa has appealed to the Punjab government to relax operating hours for cinemas, arguing that the early closure of shopping malls is negatively impacting the film industry. In a letter addressed to Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, Mustafa stated that an extension of cinema timings would boost ticket sales and revenue.

He requested relief for the cinema industry and film distributors, noting that more flexible hours would also increase employment opportunities. While praising the provincial government’s existing support for the film industry, he expressed hope that his request for a minor extension would be considered positively to benefit filmmakers, cinema owners, and audiences.

Updated: 11:51 AM PKT — June 3, 2026

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved revised closing times for businesses in the capital with immediate effect, citing longer daylight hours and rising summer temperatures. A notification from the Cabinet Division confirmed the new schedule.

While the core timings for markets, restaurants, and marriage halls remain as previously announced, the new directive clarifies a list of services exempt from the restrictions. These include pharmacies, medical facilities, bakeries, milk shops, fuel stations, IT companies, and call centres, which are permitted to operate without time limits. The move is part of a broader national austerity drive that was recently extended.

Updated: 12:10 AM PKT — June 3, 2026

The federal government has extended its countrywide austerity drive until June 13, citing longer daylight hours and rising summer temperatures as factors in its energy-saving policies. The measures were initially introduced on March 9 in response to a global energy crisis stemming from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

As part of the extended drive, a 50% reduction in fuel allowance for official vehicles, the grounding of 60% of the government fleet, and a ban on non-essential foreign travel for officials will remain in effect. Provincial governments have also been directed to ensure the implementation of these guidelines.