Islamabad reverts to early closure of markets

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Capital Territory administration has introduced revised business hours under ongoing austerity measures, requiring shops, markets and shopping malls to shut by 8pm every day of the week from June 1, 2026.

Under the notification, the 8pm closing time will apply on both weekdays and weekends. The order also sets a 10pm closing time for restaurants, grocery stores and venues used for ceremonies and festive events.

Businesses covered by the order

The notification states that restaurants, other food outlets, tandoors, grocery stores, kiryana shops, meat sellers, fruit and dry fruit shops, vegetable vendors and bakeries must close by 10pm. Marriage halls, marquees and other commercial venues hosting ceremonies and festive gatherings have also been told to close by the same time throughout the week.

At the same time, takeaway and home delivery services for food will be allowed to continue without any time limit.

Exemptions listed in notification

A number of services have been kept outside the closing-time restrictions. These include pharmacies, medical stores, medical supply outlets, laboratories and hospitals. Petrol pumps and CNG stations will continue to operate according to their existing schedules.

Milk and dairy shops have also been exempted. The notification further says sports facilities, including gyms and padel courts, will be allowed to remain open beyond the prescribed closing hours. Call centres and information technology companies serving international clients have likewise been granted exemption from the restrictions.

The revised timings, according to the ICT administration, are part of the capital administration’s austerity measures and came into effect on June 1, 2026.