After temporary relaxations during the Eid shopping season, Pakistan has reimposed an 8 pm market curfew in Islamabad to tackle rising energy costs due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
According to the revised measures that came into effect on Monday, markets, shops, and shopping malls across the capital should close by 8 pm while restaurant and other food outlets would be required to close by 10 pm.
The District Administration Islamabad announced the decision on X, reporting that the restrictions would be applied throughout the week.
“The District Administration Islamabad has enforced revised business operating hours under ongoing austerity measures, effective today (June 1,2026). Markets, shops and shopping malls will close at 8:00 PM, while restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries and other food outlets will operate untile 10:00 PM,” said the administration.
The statement also added that wedding venues and event facilities would face similar restrictions.
“Marriage halls, marquees and other event venues will also close at 10:00 PM. Essential services, including pharmacies, hospitals, petrol pumps, dairy shops, sports facilities, call centres and IT companies serving international clients, remain exempt from the restrictions,” read the post.
Officials clarified that the restrictions would also apply to events conducted on private premises.
Pakistan had initially introduced market restrictions in March after the ongoing U.S-Iran conflict and the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz triggered a global energy crisis. Pakistan was particularly hit by the rising import costs and increased pressure on electricity supplies.
Officials argued that shifting more business actvity to daylight hours would help lower energy consumption and reduce reliance on expensive power generation during the night.
Authorities lifted the restriction during Eid season as traders and business groups complained about early closures hurting their business during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. As the festivities are over, Islamabad has reinforced the original restrictions, with provincial governments expected to follow suit, much to the dismay of shop owners.
