Islamabad re-enforces revised market timings from June 1 [Read Notification]

ISLAMABAD – The District Administration Islamabad has enforced revised business operating hours under ongoing austerity measures, effective from Monday (1 June 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,” Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon said in a post on X. Marriage halls, marquees and other event venues will also close at 10:00 pm. He added that essential services, including pharmacies, hospitals, petrol pumps, dairy shops, sports facilities, call centers and IT companies serving international clients, remain exempt from the restrictions. The District Administration Islamabad has enforced revised business operating hours under ongoing austerity measures, effective today (1 June 2026). Markets, shops and shopping malls will close at 8:00 PM, while restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries and other food outlets will… pic.twitter.com/gzTvUbwYlW — DC Islamabad (@dcislamabad) June 1, 2026 The development comes weeks after the federal government granted temporary concessions to operate normally due to Eidul Azha 2026 festival When and Why Early Market Closure Restriction Imposed In an effort to reduce fuel consumption, authorities introduced new business operating hours in early April. Under the measures, retail outlets, markets, and shopping centers were required to end operations by 8 p.m., while food establishments, bakeries, grocery stores, and wedding venues were instructed to close by 10 p.m. The restrictions were part of a broader cost-saving strategy launched in response to growing pressure on energy supplies. The country faced increasing fuel challenges after disruptions to shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, linked to regional tensions arising from the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran that erupted in late February.