Shops, markets in Islamabad begin shutting at 8pm as PM reviews austerity measures

The Islamabad administration began enforcing the federal government’s directive to close shopping centres and markets at 8pm from Tuesday as part of a nationwide austerity drive aimed at conserving energy and stabilising the economy.

The move followed a decision taken a day earlier during a high-level review meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The policy applied across Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad Capital Territory, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where implementation began today.

Under the new regulations, general stores, department stores and all types of shopping malls must close by 8pm. However, bakeries, restaurants, tandoors and other food outlets are permitted to operate until 10pm. Marriage halls, marquees and commercial venues hosting events are also required to shut by 10pm.

The Sindh government, meanwhile, remains in the consultation phase regarding revised market timings and operational hours.

In a meeting today, officials briefed the prime minister on enforcement measures across the provinces and territories. The review focused on fuel conservation, energy efficiency and the broader implementation of austerity policies.

Addressing participants, PM Shehbaz urged citizens to play their part in reducing fuel consumption, citing ongoing economic challenges and regional tensions. He warned that hoarding petroleum products would not be tolerated and that strict legal action would be taken against those involved.

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“Part of the country’s electricity generation depends on petroleum products,” he said, noting that early market closures were intended not only to conserve valuable foreign exchange but also to ensure an uninterrupted power supply.

The meeting's members were further informed that discussions with the Sindh government on adopting the 8pm closure policy were ongoing.

Officials also highlighted progress on a targeted subsidy programme. Provincial governments have begun submitting data on eligible beneficiaries, and following verification, subsidies are being distributed through a transparent digital system.

The information ministry, in collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan, has been providing continuous subsidies to freight vehicles, buses and trucks since April 4.