ISLAMABAD: The capital administration on Monday night ordered all shops, markets and shopping malls to close at 8pm.

The order, issued from the office of Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon, stated that in light of ongoing austerity measures, all shops, markets and shopping malls shall close at 8pm throughout the week, including Saturdays and Sundays.

However, sectors such as pharmacies, medical stores, medical supply shops, medical laboratories and hospitals are exempt from the restriction. Additionally, petrol pumps, CNG stations, tandoors, bakeries and dairy shops are also exempted.

Hotels, restaurants and food outlets are required to close by 1pm, although takeaway and home delivery services will continue without restrictions.

All marriage halls, banquets and wedding functions, including those held at residences and farmhouses, must also conclude by 1pm.

The order will come into effect on Tuesday (today) and will remain in force until further notice.

An administration official said earlier that the federal government had approved energy-saving and austerity measures, including the early closure of markets across the country. The decision aims to reduce fuel consumption amid rising economic pressures and global energy challenges.

The district administration further stated that motorcycles must be registered in the name of the owner to avail the announced subsidies on petroleum products and other government relief initiatives.

Homes, residential areas, and private properties will also be prohibited from hosting weddings or other social gatherings after 10pm.

For this purpose, the Islamabad Excise Department will remain open 24 hours to facilitate motorcycle registration and transfer. Additional counters have been set up at the excise office to expedite the process. Motorcycle owners were advised to complete registration immediately to benefit from the government’s relief measures.

On Thursday night, while announcing an unprecedented hike in petroleum product prices, the federal government also unveiled targeted relief measures for motorcyclists, small farmers and transporters.

Last month, austerity measures were introduced, including a four-day workweek, reduced fuel quotas for government vehicles and shifting higher education classes online.

These austerity measures were taken in view of rising fuel prices, caused in part by supply disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran.

Published in Dawn, April 7th, 2026