ISLAMABAD: The capital administration issued another notification regarding the closing times of shops, markets and shopping malls in Islamabad, with partial changes to the earlier order issued 10 days ago.

The notification, issued from the office of the deputy commissioner Islamabad stated that the earlier partial modification was made in light of the ongoing austerity measures.

It is notified that all shops, markets and shopping malls shall be closed at 8pm throughout the week (including on Saturday and Sunday).

However, pharmacies, medical stores, medical laboratories and hospitals are exempt from the restriction. In addition, petrol pumps, CNG stations and milk/dairy shops are also exempt from the restriction.

The notification that all hotels, restaurants and food outlets, tandoors, grocery stores, kiryana stores, meat shops, fruit shops (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 other commercial places where festive events are held shall be closed at 10pm throughout the week; this closing time shall also apply to events held at private premises.

All sports facilities and clubs, including gymnasiums, shall be closed by 8:00pm.

This order will come into effect from April 16, 2026, and shall remain in force until further orders.

Earlier, tandoors, bakeries and milk/dairy shops were exempt from the restriction. In today’s notification, a timing restriction was also imposed on all sports facilities and clubs, including gymnasiums.

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2026