Islamabad enforces early market closures under fuel conservation measures

ISLAMABAD — Authorities in Islamabad have announced new business timings under federal austerity and fuel conservation measures, requiring markets and shopping centres to close by 8:00 PM, officials said after a high-level meeting on Tuesday.

The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Chief Commissioner Islamabad and Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) Sohail Ashraf, with participation from senior officials including Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi and Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon. The measures aim to reduce energy consumption and ensure compliance with federal directives.

According to officials, all shops, departmental stores, bazaars and shopping malls in the federal capital will close at 8:00 PM throughout the week. Authorities said strict legal action will be taken against violations.

Food outlets, including restaurants, bakeries and grocery stores, will be allowed to operate until 10:00 PM, after which they must shut down. The same closing time will apply to marriage halls, marquees and other venues hosting events and social gatherings.

Pharmacies and medical stores have been exempted from the new restrictions to ensure continued access to essential services.

Enforcement and coordination measures

Officials said efforts are underway to ensure full implementation of the directives through coordination between the district administration, Islamabad Police and the CDA.

Also read: New restrictions announced across Pakistan, markets to close by 8 PM

The administration has also engaged with business stakeholders, including the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, trader associations and market committees, while awareness campaigns are being conducted across markets and commercial centres.

Inspector General Islamabad Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi said police will work with the district administration to enforce the measures, adding that compliance will be ensured across the city.

Chairman CDA Sohail Ashraf directed authorities to implement the measures uniformly in both urban and rural areas of Islamabad and called for an effective monitoring mechanism to oversee enforcement.