Pakistan’s capital Islamabad has enforced revised business operating hours as part of an austerity drive triggered by rising energy costs linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Under the new rules, markets and shopping centres in the city must shut by 8 pm every day starting Monday. Restaurants, bakeries and grocery stores have been allowed to remain open until 10 pm, reported Hindustan Times.
The move comes as fuel-importing countries across Asia face mounting pressure due to higher oil and gas prices caused by disruptions in the region.
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New restrictions announced
The district administration, led by deputy commissioner Irfan Memon, announced the revised timings through a post on X.
"The District Administration Islamabad has enforced revised business operating hours under ongoing austerity measures, effective today (June 1, 2026). Markets, shops and shopping malls will close at 8:00 PM, while restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries and other food outlets will operate until 10:00 PM," it said, reported HT.
The administration further added, "Marriage halls, marquees and other event venues will also close at 10:00 PM. Essential services, including pharmacies, hospitals, petrol pumps, dairy shops, sports facilities, call centres and IT companies serving international clients, remain exempt from the restrictions."
The restrictions will also apply to events and gatherings held on private properties.
Energy crisis deepens
Pakistan first introduced reduced business hours in March after the US-Israeli attack on Iran caused a sharp jump in fuel prices. The government adopted austerity measures, including early market closures, to lower electricity consumption and ease pressure on the economy.
The ongoing conflict has disrupted energy markets across West Asia after Iran blocked supplies moving through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.
Nearly one-fifth of global oil and natural gas supplies normally pass through the Strait, with a significant portion heading to Asian countries.
Traders oppose early closures
Pakistan relies heavily on fuel imports passing through the route to meet its domestic energy needs. Although some shipments continue to move, transportation costs have risen sharply due to global price increases.
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The restrictions are expected to affect traders and business owners, many of whom traditionally keep markets open late into the evening. Most commercial markets in Pakistan usually begin operations around midday and continue well after sunset.
