Government approves extension in business closing hours after consultations

The federal government has officially revised its 8:00 PM business closing mandate following pushback and requests for reconsideration from business owners. This extension of business hours comes after deliberations regarding the government’s austerity measures.

According to the notification issued by the Cabinet Division, shops, markets, and shopping malls will now be required to close by 9:00 pm. Wedding halls, marquees, commercial events, and related venues will be allowed to operate until 10:00 pm.

Restaurants, hotels, and vegetable markets will be permitted to remain open until 11:00 pm under the revised schedule.

However, the notification states that there will be no restrictions on the operating hours of medical stores, IT companies, tandoors, gyms, and fuel stations, considering the essential nature of their services. The decision has been taken in connection with the government’s ongoing efforts to promote energy conservation and improve the efficient use of electricity in light of the US-Iran war.

The Cabinet Division has directed all provincial governments and local administrations to ensure the implementation of the revised business timings.

The government officials that the new operating hours will help reduce energy consumption while maintaining the availability of essential services for the public and it will also prevent the economic losses faced by the business owners.