Pakistan Business Hours Extended as Government Revises Market Timings
The federal government has revised Pakistan business hours and extended commercial closing times across the country. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the new schedule with immediate effect. The decision gives businesses more operating time during the summer season.
The Cabinet Division announced the revised timings on Wednesday. Officials said longer daylight hours and rising temperatures influenced the move. As a result, many businesses can now remain open later than before.
New Timings for Markets and Restaurants
Under the new schedule, shops, markets, bazaars, shopping malls, and departmental stores will close at 9pm. Grocery stores and kiryana shops will also follow the same timing throughout the week.
Meanwhile, marriage halls, marquees, and event venues can continue operations until 10pm. Restaurants, cafés, eateries, and food outlets may remain open until 11pm. Standalone fruit and vegetable shops can also operate until that time.
However, takeaway and home delivery services remain exempt from these restrictions. Therefore, customers can continue placing orders after closing hours where services are available.
The government has also exempted pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, laboratories, bakeries, tandoors, and dairy shops. In addition, fuel stations, CNG outlets, EV charging facilities, gyms, sports centres, IT companies, and call centers can continue operations without these limits.
Fuel Conservation Measures Eased
The revised policy replaces earlier restrictions introduced under fuel conservation measures. Authorities implemented those rules to reduce energy use and control rising fuel costs.
Earlier this year, tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States affected global energy markets. Consequently, international oil prices increased sharply. Pakistan faced higher import costs and pressure on domestic fuel prices.
To manage the situation, the government introduced austerity measures in March. These steps included earlier market closures and limits on official fuel use. Although authorities eased restrictions before Eid, they reinstated them on April 1.
Now, the government has updated Pakistan business hours to support economic activity while continuing its energy management efforts.
