Islamabad administration revises business timings under austerity measures

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

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

The notification said that pharmacies, medical stores, medical supply stores, medical laboratories, hospitals, petrol pumps, CNG stations and milk and dairy shops were exempt from the restriction.

It added that restaurants and food outlets, tandoors, grocery stores, meat shops, fruit and dry fruit shops, vegetable vendors, and bakeries would close at 10pm.

However, it stated that “there shall be no restriction on takeaway and home delivery services”.

The notification further said that marriage halls, marquees, and other commercial venues hosting events would close at 10pm throughout the week, including functions held at private premises.

“This order will come into effect from May 5 and shall remain in force till further orders,” it added.

The government in March announced austerity measures across the country due to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which disrupted supply chains and pushed crude oil prices to a two-year high.

Both federal and provincial governments have since introduced a range of measures, including an additional weekly holiday, cuts in free petrol allocations for ministers, limits on protocol vehicles, and proposals for subsidised fuel for students.

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