Govt revises business closing hours nationwide

June 03, 2026 (MLN): The Government of Pakistan has issued a new notification revising the closing times for various business and commercial establishments across the country, effective immediately.

The move is an extension of the Cabinet Division's earlier notification dated April 6, 2026, on Fuel Conservation and Additional Austerity Measures.

The Prime Minister approved the revised timings, citing longer daylight hours and rising temperatures during the summer season.

Under the new directives, shops, markets, shopping malls, bazaars, and departmental, grocery, general, and kiryana stores will be required to close by 9:00 PM.

Marriage halls, marquees, and other commercial venues hosting festive events must shut by 10:00 PM.

Restaurants, cafés, eateries, food outlets, and standalone fruit and vegetable shops will have a closing time of 11:00 PM, though takeaway and home delivery services will remain exempt.

Several categories of establishments have been granted full exemption from these closing time restrictions, including pharmacies, medical stores, laboratories, clinics and hospitals, standalone bakeries, tandoors, milk and dairy shops, fuel and CNG pumps, electric vehicle charging stations, gyms, sports facilities, padel courts, as well as IT companies and call centres.

The timings apply to all days of the week, including Saturday and Sunday. Provincial and regional governments have been advised to implement these timings accordingly.

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