Market closing time changed as shops and malls to shut at 9pm

The federal government has introduced the steps to conserve energy amid higher fuel prices and renewed tensions in the Middle East.

The notification also covers bazaars, departmental stores, grocery shops, general stores and kiryana stores. Marriage halls and marquees will close by 10pm, while restaurants, cafes and food outlets can operate until 11pm, with takeaway and home delivery exempt.

Some services remain exempt

Pharmacies, hospitals, clinics and medical laboratories will not be affected by the closing-time restrictions. Bakeries, tandoors, milk and dairy shops, fuel and CNG stations, electric vehicle charging stations, gyms, sports facilities, IT companies and call centres are also exempt.

The latest measures are initially focused on Islamabad, while provincial and regional governments have been encouraged to consider similar steps. The government has linked the move to energy conservation as fuel prices have risen amid global oil market volatility.

Fuel prices add to pressure

Petrol is now being sold at Rs391.22 per litre, while high-speed diesel costs Rs421.45 per litre after increases of Rs6.88 and Rs5.62 respectively. The revised prices took effect after the government cited fluctuations in international oil markets.

The latest fuel increase has added pressure for the government to review energy use and spending. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on September 14 that the government was considering reviving austerity measures amid renewed tensions in the Middle East.

Government spending also restricted

The austerity plan includes a 50% reduction in the fuel allocation for official vehicles for three months. Operational vehicles of the armed forces, civil armed forces, law enforcement agencies and essential services are excluded from the fuel cut, while some administrative and non-operational vehicles remain subject to it.

The government has also imposed restrictions on the purchase of vehicles and durable goods by government departments, with IT purchases and development projects excluded. The measures are aimed at reducing non-essential spending and limiting fuel consumption.

The new steps show that rising fuel costs are again putting pressure on government energy use and spending. Early closing hours are intended to reduce energy consumption, while fuel limits target official vehicle use.

The impact on businesses and the public will depend on how the restrictions are implemented. Essential services have been kept outside the closing-time rules to avoid disruption to healthcare, fuel supplies and other important services.

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