The federal government has announced a temporary exemption for markets, bazaars, and shopping malls in Islamabad from business hour restrictions until May 31. This decision, formalized through a Cabinet Division notification, allows these commercial areas to operate without fixed closing times effective immediately.
In addition to shops and malls, bakeries, tandoors, restaurants, and grocery stores in the capital are also excluded from any closing time limitations. The Cabinet Division confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved this measure to facilitate smoother business operations and enhance public convenience.
Consequently, markets and commercial centers in Islamabad will be permitted to remain open every day of the week. This development aligns with recent actions by the Sindh and Punjab governments, which last week lifted restrictions on business operating hours across their provinces.
Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon highlighted that the decision followed consultations and feedback from traders and industrialists. Under Sindh’s revised regulations, markets, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, food outlets, marriage halls, and marquees are no longer bound by mandatory closing times.
Memon emphasized that business centers throughout Sindh will now function under normal hours without restrictions, underscoring the government’s dedication to fostering economic growth and supporting the business community.
