Pakistan Extends Shop and Market Closing Hours During Summer Season

June 2026 | By Azad News

Islamabad — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved revised closing timings for shops, markets, and commercial establishments across the country, with immediate effect, according to an official notification.

The decision was taken in view of longer daylight hours and rising temperatures during the summer season, the Cabinet Division said in a statement shared on social media by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.

Under the new schedule, markets, shopping malls, bazaars, departmental stores, grocery shops, and general stores will now close at 9 PM throughout the week.

Marriage halls, marquees, and other event venues will close at 10 PM, while restaurants, cafes, food outlets, and fruit and vegetable shops will remain open until 11 PM. Takeaway and home delivery services will remain exempt from the restrictions.

The notification also stated that essential services including pharmacies, hospitals, laboratories, fuel pumps, bakeries, milk shops, and medical supply stores will not be subject to the revised timing restrictions.

Other exempt sectors include IT companies, call centres, gyms, sports facilities, and electric vehicle charging stations, allowing continued operations beyond standard closing hours.

Authorities have advised provincial and regional governments to implement the revised timings accordingly to ensure nationwide compliance.

The move comes as part of ongoing austerity measures introduced earlier this year to manage energy usage and economic pressures during the summer period.

Conclusion

The revised business timings aim to balance economic activity with energy conservation and seasonal conditions, while ensuring essential services remain fully operational across the country.

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