ISLAMABAD: The government has mandated early closing hours for markets, malls, and other commercial establishments nationwide, following directives from a meeting led by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.
According to an official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, daily-use shops, departmental stores, and malls will now close by 8:00 PM.
Bakeries, restaurants, tandoors, and food outlets will remain open until 10:00 PM, after which they must shut operations.
Similarly, marriage halls and marketplaces will also be required to close after 10:00 PM.
The decision includes a restriction on social functions at private properties and homes, with gatherings like weddings prohibited after 10:00 PM.
However, medical stores and pharmacies have been exempted from these timing restrictions.
The new regulations will take effect from 7th April, as announced by the Prime Minister’s Office.
On the other hand, Punjab government has rejected the proposal to close markets nationwide at 8 PM.
According to sources, the recommendations presented to Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz were not approved.
Sources from the Punjab Assembly indicated that it has been agreed to keep markets open until 10 PM across the province.
The suggestion to enforce earlier closing hours has been postponed, and further consultations with traders’ associations and business representatives will take place before finalizing operating hours.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah stated that discussions with traders are ongoing in Sindh as well. He noted that while some objections exist regarding closing markets at 8 PM, consultations will continue, and the federal government will be informed once a consensus is reached.
