ISLAMABAD: The federal government has introduced revised business operating hours in the capital as part of an austerity-driven policy initiative.
Committee Meeting Chaired by Ishaq Dar
A meeting of the Committee on Monitoring and Implementation of austerity measures was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. The committee reviewed the ongoing austerity measures and, considering market timings, longer daylight hours, and rising temperatures during the summer season, decided to extend the closing hours of shops and commercial centers.
New Operating Schedule
Under the new schedule, shops, markets, shopping malls, and general retail businesses across Islamabad will remain open until 9:00 PM. Restaurants, cafes, and food outlets will be allowed to operate until 11:00 PM, while takeaway and delivery services will remain exempt from these restrictions. Marriage halls and event venues will continue to close at 10:00 PM with no change in timings.
Essential Services Exempt
Officials have clarified that essential services, including pharmacies, hospitals, petrol pumps, IT, and telecom services, are fully exempt from time restrictions and will continue to operate as usual.
Uniform Enforcement Across Provinces
The committee also directed provinces to ensure effective implementation of these guidelines in coordination with federal authorities to ensure uniform enforcement across the board.
Context of the Decision
The decision is part of broader austerity measures aimed at reducing energy consumption and operational costs. By standardizing business hours, the government hopes to optimize energy use during peak summer months when electricity demand typically surges. The revised timings also take into account the longer daylight hours and extreme heat, allowing businesses to operate later in the evening when temperatures are more moderate.
Reactions
Business owners have expressed mixed reactions, with some welcoming the extended hours as an opportunity to increase sales, while others have raised concerns about additional operational costs. The government has assured that the new timings will be reviewed periodically based on feedback and energy conservation outcomes. The capital administration has been tasked with ensuring compliance, while exemptions for essential services are expected to minimize disruption to daily life. Further updates on enforcement mechanisms and possible adjustments are expected in the coming days. The committee also plans to review the impact of these measures on energy consumption and business activity before considering any future changes.
