Pakistani Government Orders Islamabad Markets Closure by 8 pm Amid Escalating Energy Crisis

Pakistan Reinstates Mandatory Early Market Closures in Islamabad Amid Energy Crisis

Pakistani authorities have reinstated mandatory early market closures in Islamabad, requiring most businesses to shut by 8 pm from Monday. This move comes as the government revives energy-saving measures amid pressure on fuel and electricity supplies linked to the conflict in West Asia.

The Islamabad district administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Irfan Memon, announced the revised operating hours through a public notice and posts on social media. Under the new schedule, markets, shops, and shopping malls across the capital will close at 8 pm throughout the week. Restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries, and other food outlets will be permitted to operate until 10 pm. 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 have been exempted from the restrictions. This decision follows a late-night notification issued by the district magistrate of the Islamabad Capital Territory.

Read also: Treasury Yields Experience Largest Increase in Two Weeks Following Release of Labor Market Data

Pakistan first introduced the restrictive operating hours in March after fuel prices surged following the US attack on Iran and the broader escalation in West Asia. The measures formed part of the government's electricity conservation and expenditure reduction programme aimed at lowering energy consumption during peak evening hours. Business associations had initially complied with the restrictions but later sought relaxation ahead of Eid celebrations, arguing that extended shopping hours were necessary during the festive period.

The federal government has now reinstated the earlier schedule, while provincial administrations are expected to implement similar restrictions in their respective jurisdictions. Officials have said the policy is intended to shift commercial activity toward daylight hours to reduce reliance on electricity consumption at night. Pakistan has for several years attempted to rationalise commercial operating hours as part of broader efforts to manage energy imports, reduce pressure on the national grid, and curb fuel costs.

The country remains heavily dependent on imported fuels, including liquefied natural gas and petroleum products, making its economy vulnerable to swings in global energy prices and supply disruptions in West Asia. The latest restrictions come as governments across parts of South Asia continue to assess the economic impact of elevated crude oil prices, disruptions to regional trade routes, and tighter energy supplies linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Read also: US-Iran Tensions Spark Uptick in Oil Prices Amid Global Market Decline