Markets to stay closed at 9pm despite Pakistan ending Most Austerity Measures

ISLAMABAD – Pakistani government withdrawn all fuel conservation and additional austerity measures introduced since March 9, 2026, with immediate effect. A notification shared by Cabinet Division said market and shop closing timings will remain unchanged, requiring most businesses to shut by 9pm as part of the country’s ongoing energy management policy. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the immediate withdrawal of all “Fuel Conservation and Additional Austerity Measures” that had been implemented by the Cabinet Division from time to time since March 9, it said. Measures like 50 percent cut in fuel consumption for government vehicles, restrictions on official expenditures, and limitations on foreign travel by ministers and government officials will no longer remain in force. Members of parliament and government officials will also continue receiving their salaries and allowances under existing arrangements. However, the government has decided to maintain business closing times introduced through Cabinet Division notifications issued on June 3 and June 10, 2026. Under the retained schedule shops, markets, shopping malls, bazaars, departmental stores and general stores must close by 9:00 PM on all days of the week, including Saturdays and Sundays. Marriage halls, marquees and other commercial venues hosting festive events must close by 10:00 PM. Restaurants, cafés, eateries and food outlets must close by 11:00 PM, although takeaway and home delivery services will remain exempt. Standalone fruit and vegetable shops, grocery stores and kiryana shops will also close at 11:00 PM. Several sectors have been exempted from the closing-time restrictions, including pharmacies, medical supply stores, laboratories, clinics, hospitals, standalone bakeries, tandoors, milk and dairy shops, fuel and CNG stations, electric vehicle charging stations, gyms, sports facilities, padel courts, IT companies and call centres. The notification further clarifies that a