ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the immediate withdrawal of all fuel conservation and additional austerity measures that were introduced on March 9, 2026, while keeping the revised market operating hours in place.
According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division, the decision marks the end of temporary fuel-saving and austerity steps implemented in response to regional developments following the escalation of the Middle East conflict.
However, the government has confirmed that the updated business hours announced on June 3 and June 10 will remain unchanged until further notice.
Under the existing schedule, shops, markets, malls, bazaars, departmental stores and general stores will continue to close at 9:00 pm. Marriage halls, marquees and other event venues will remain operational until 10:00 pm.
Restaurants, cafés and food outlets will be allowed to remain open until 11:00 pm, while takeaway and home delivery services will continue without time restrictions.
The notification further clarified that essential and service-related sectors, including pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, laboratories, bakeries, tandoors, milk shops, fuel and CNG stations, electric vehicle charging stations, gyms, sports facilities, padel courts, IT companies and call centres, will remain exempt from closing-time restrictions.
The Cabinet Division added that previously issued austerity directives and fuel-saving measures that were already in force before March 9, 2026, will continue to remain applicable unless revised or withdrawn separately.
