Pakistan has temporarily lifted nationwide business-hour restrictions, allowing unrestricted commercial activity until May 31, following approval from the federal cabinet.
According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division, all shops, malls, markets, and commercial centres across the country will now operate without any fixed closing hours.
What the decision includes
The exemption applies to a wide range of businesses, including:
- Shops, bazaars, and departmental stores
- Shopping malls and commercial centres
- Bakeries, tandoors, grocery stores, and restaurants
- Hotels, marriage halls, and other service outlets
The move effectively removes earlier energy-conservation based curbs that had limited operating hours.
Provinces had already relaxed restrictions
The federal decision comes after provincial governments had already eased similar measures:
- Punjab extended relaxed market timings until June 1
- Sindh removed fixed closing times for commercial outlets
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan also ended earlier restrictions
These coordinated steps reflect a broader nationwide shift toward restoring normal economic activity.
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Why the restrictions were imposed
The business-hour curbs were originally introduced as part of an austerity and energy conservation plan amid rising fuel prices and economic pressure linked to regional instability and global energy market volatility.
Authorities had aimed to reduce electricity and fuel consumption by limiting late-hour commercial operations.
Background and economic context
The restrictions came during a period of heightened economic strain, when fuel prices surged following instability in global energy markets. The government had implemented several cost-saving measures, including reduced operating hours for commercial establishments.
With recent easing of pressures, authorities now appear focused on reviving business activity and supporting economic momentum.
Temporary relief until end of May
Officials clarified that the current exemption is temporary and will remain in effect until May 31, after which the government may review the situation based on energy supply, demand conditions, and broader economic indicators.
