ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Tuesday relaxed restrictions on business hours, citing longer daylight hours and rising temperatures during the summer season.
The decision was made during a meeting of the Committee for Monitoring and Implementation of Austerity Measures, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, according to a statement issued by the office of DPM.
Shops, markets, malls and general retail outlets will now close at 9pm, while restaurants, cafes and eateries will be allowed to operate until 11pm. Takeaway and delivery services will remain exempt from the restriction. However, marriage halls and event venues would continue to close at 10pm, with no change in their existing timings.
Essential services, including pharmacies, hospitals, fuel stations, and IT and telecom-related services, remain exempted from the revised closing hours.
The committee also directed provincial governments to ensure effective implementation of the guidelines in coordination with federal authorities.
