Markets To Close At 8PM Again As Eid Relaxation Ends In Islamabad And Punjab
- Authorities have restored pre-Eid market closing timings as energy-saving measures resume.
- Markets and shopping malls in Islamabad and Punjab will close at 8pm.
- Essential services including hospitals, pharmacies, petrol pumps and tandoors remain exempt.
The temporary relaxation in business operating hours granted during the Eid holidays has officially ended, with authorities in Islamabad and Punjab reinstating earlier market closure timings as part of ongoing energy conservation and austerity measures.
New notifications issued by district and provincial authorities outline the return of strict operating schedules for markets, shopping malls, restaurants, wedding venues and other commercial establishments.
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In Islamabad, the district administration has reimposed austerity measures with immediate effect following the conclusion of the Eid holidays. Under the revised schedule, all markets and shopping malls across the federal capital will be required to close by 8pm.
The new timings came into force on June 1, 2026, and will remain applicable until further notice. Officials said the decision was taken to promote efficient energy usage and support government efforts aimed at reducing unnecessary electricity consumption.
Authorities have, however, granted exemptions to several essential services. Hospitals and medical stores will continue operating without restrictions, while petrol pumps and CNG stations will remain open according to their normal schedules.
Hotels, bakeries, grocery stores and tandoors have been permitted to continue operations until 10pm. Wedding halls and marquees in Islamabad will also be allowed to function only until 10pm, after which they must close.
Meanwhile, the temporary relaxation provided by the Punjab government during the Eid shopping season has also come to an end. June 1 was the final day of the exemption period introduced to facilitate consumers and businesses ahead of Eid.
Starting June 2, all markets across Punjab will once again follow the previously enforced energy-saving schedule, requiring commercial centres and shops to close by 8pm.
Restaurants throughout the province will also return to earlier operating restrictions. Under the renewed rules, dine-in services will end at 8pm. However, takeaway and home delivery services will continue to operate beyond that time.
As in Islamabad, several essential sectors in Punjab will remain exempt from the restrictions. Hospitals, medical stores, medical laboratories, petrol pumps and tandoors will continue functioning without being affected by the closure deadlines.
Officials said these exemptions are necessary to ensure uninterrupted access to critical public services while maintaining energy conservation goals.
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