Islamabad orders early market closures under austerity drive

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad’s district administration has directed markets to close early as part of the federal government’s austerity campaign, a notification issued on Tuesday said.

According to the notification, all shops in the capital will close by 8pm, while certain essential services have been exempted from the restrictions.

Pharmacies, laboratories, medical stores and hospitals will remain open. Petrol pumps, CNG stations, milk shops and sports gymnasiums have also been allowed to operate beyond the deadline.

Hotels, tandoors, grocery stores and general retail outlets have been instructed to shut by 10pm. Fruit and vegetable shops, along with bakeries, will also close at the same time.

The administration further ordered that marriage halls and marquees across Islamabad must close by 10pm.

Deputy Commissioner Islamabad said the measures have been taken in line with the prime minister’s austerity policy aimed at reducing energy consumption.