The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration announced on Saturday that there has been no official change to business operating hours within the capital. The administration emphasized that the current timings, established under the government’s austerity and energy-saving campaign, will continue to be enforced.
A spokesperson clarified that commercial activities in Islamabad will adhere to the previously set schedule unless a formal notification indicates otherwise. This statement was issued to address circulating rumors about potential adjustments to business hours following recent decisions by the Sindh and Punjab governments.
In a significant development earlier on Saturday, the Sindh government revoked restrictions on business hours throughout the province. This change permits markets, shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, and marriage halls to operate without fixed closing times. Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced the decision via his official social media account X, highlighting that it was made after considering feedback and challenges faced by traders and industrialists.
He shared a notification from the provincial Home Department stating that all shops, markets, malls, hotels, restaurants, food outlets, marriage halls, and marquees are exempt from closure timings. Memon noted that business centers will now function under normal hours without any restrictions, reflecting the government’s dedication to economic growth, public convenience, and support for the business community.
“The business community is the backbone of the economy,” Memon remarked, assuring that the government will continue to implement measures to address traders’ concerns. Meanwhile, Islamabad’s administration remains firm on maintaining the existing business hours, ensuring stability amid regional policy shifts.
