ISLAMABAD: The capital’s administration on Tuesday issued another notification exempting sports facilities, call centers and the IT Companies from the closing time restriction.

The Islamabad traders, on the other hand, warned to launch countrywide protest from May 14 if the government failed to extend market closure timing from 8pm, saying they would also stop observing the current restrictions.

Earlier, in the notification issued on April 25, the closing time of all sports facilities, including gymnasium and Padel Courts was 10p.m.

The fresh notification issued from the office of Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon said that partial modification was made in the notification issued on April 25 in the light of the ongoing austerity measures.

Traders warn of protest from May 14 if govt fails to relax restrictions

The notification stated that all shops, markets and shopping malls shall be closed at 8pm throughout the week (including Saturday and Sunday).

However, the sectors like pharmacies, medical stores, medical supply stores, medical laboratories and hospitals are exempted from the restriction.

Besides, petrol pumps, CNG stations, milk/dairy shops sports facilities and IT companies engaged with international clients are too exempted from the restriction.

All Hotels, Restaurants and Food Outlets, tandoors, grocery stores, kiryana stores, meat shops, fruit including dry fruit shops vegetable vendors and bakeries shall be closed at 10pm (there shall be no restriction on takeaway and home delivery services).

All marriage halls, marquees and all other commercial places where festive events are held shall be closed at 10pm throughout the week (this closing time shall also be applied in the case of events held at private premises.)

This order will come into effect from May 5 and shall remain in force till further orders.

Meanwhile, the traders warning was issued by president of the All Pakistan Anjuman Tajran and Traders Action Committee Ajmal Baloch at a press conference at the National Press Club.

He demanded that commercial centres be allowed to operate until 10pm instead of the current 8pm , while restaurants should be permitted to remain open until midnight.

He said the existing restrictions were hurting businesses and disrupting economic activity in the federal capital.

His news conference came amid fresh notification issued by the DC office Islamabad – enforcing the 8 pm restriction for all commercial activities except for the food and sports outlets in the markets.

Mr Baloch criticised the conduct of administrative officials and magistrates, alleging that traders were being subjected to humiliating treatment and unlawful penalties.

He specifically called for the removal of assistant commissioners (AC) Bhara Kahu and others in the city, accusing them of misconduct and misbehaviour towards the business community.

He further alleged that officials of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and district administration were primarily focused on revenue collection, but it promoted corruption.

According to him, traders were being harassed through enforcement actions involving para-forces and administrative machinery.

A large number of trader representatives from various markets, including Blue Area, Jinnah Super Market, I-8, F-10 and other centres, attended the press conference.

They endorsed the demands and expressed concern over declining business activity due to early closure timings.

Mr Baloch said that if the demands were not met by the given deadline, traders across Islamabad and other cities would stage demonstrations and refuse to comply with the present business hours.

He said the traders community’s had run out of patience and urged the government to take immediate corrective measures, warning that failure to act could escalate tensions between authorities and commercial sector nationwide.

Published in Dawn, May 6th, 2026