Islamabad administration revises business timings amid austerity measures

The capital administration on Tuesday issued a revised notification regarding the closing hours of markets, businesses and commercial activities in light of the ongoing austerity measures.

According to a notification issued by the office of Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon, all shops, markets and malls would close at 8 pm throughout the week, including Saturdays and Sundays.

The notification said pharmacies, medical stores, medical supply stores, medical laboratories, hospitals, petrol pumps, CNG stations and milk and milk products stores were exempted from the restriction.

He added that restaurants and food outlets, tandoors, grocery stores, butcher shops, fruit and dry fruit shops, vegetable vendors and bakeries would close at 10 p.m.

However, he said “there will be no restrictions on takeaway and home delivery services”.

The notification further stated that wedding halls, marquees and other commercial venues hosting events would close at 10 p.m. throughout the week, including functions held at private premises.

“This decree will come into force on May 5 and will remain in force until further notice,” the press release added.

The government in March announced austerity measures across the country due to the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran, which has disrupted supply chains and pushed crude oil prices to their highest level in two years.

The federal and provincial governments have since introduced a series of measures, including additional weekly leave, cuts to free fuel allowances for ministers, limits on protocol vehicles and proposals for subsidized fuel for students.

The federal government also urged the public to adopt austerity measures in daily life and cooperate with authorities to save energy amid an energy crisis triggered by the conflict in the Middle East.