Govt Extends Market Hours Across Pakistan Amid Summer Heat

The federal government has revised business operating hours across Pakistan, allowing shops, markets, restaurants, and other commercial establishments to remain open for longer hours as temperatures rise and daylight duration increases.

According to an official notification issued by the Cabinet Division Pakistan, the updated schedule was approved by Shehbaz Sharif with immediate effect. The move partially relaxes restrictions previously imposed under fuel conservation and austerity measures.

The decision was taken following a review meeting of the Committee for Monitoring and Implementation of Austerity Measures, chaired by Ishaq Dar.

Under the revised timings, shops, markets, shopping malls, bazaars, departmental stores, grocery outlets, and kiryana stores will now be allowed to operate until 9:00 pm throughout the week. Restaurants, cafés, and other food outlets can remain open until 11:00 pm, while marriage halls, marquees, and event venues will continue to close at 10:00 pm. However, takeaway and home delivery services will remain exempt from these restrictions.

The government has also exempted essential services from the new closing hours, including pharmacies, hospitals, medical laboratories, fuel stations, electric vehicle charging facilities, IT companies, call centres, gyms, and sports facilities.

Provincial governments have been directed to coordinate with relevant authorities to ensure effective implementation of the revised schedule across the country.

Earlier in March, the government had enforced strict business hours to reduce energy consumption and manage rising fuel costs amid global energy market fluctuations. Officials stated that the latest revision takes into account seasonal changes while maintaining key energy conservation measures.