Markets, malls and restaurants allowed extended operations ahead of Eid-ul-Adha
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday approved the removal of restrictions on business operating hours across Pakistan until May 31 to facilitate Eid-ul-Adha shopping activity.
According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division, shops, departmental stores, bazaars, markets and shopping malls will now be allowed to operate without fixed closing-hour restrictions throughout the week.
Relief for traders and consumers
The exemption also covers bakeries, tandoors, restaurants and grocery stores, allowing them to continue operations beyond previously mandated timings.
The decision comes ahead of Eid-ul-Adha 2026, when shopping activity traditionally increases significantly across the country.
Provinces had already relaxed restrictions
Provincial governments had earlier introduced similar relaxations.
The Punjab government extended market operating hours until June 1 and suspended the mandatory 8pm closure rule.
Meanwhile, the Sindh government announced exemptions for markets, shopping malls, restaurants, hotels and marriage halls from fixed closing times to support commercial activity.
Authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan also lifted market timing restrictions and ended smart lockdown-related business measures.
Energy conservation measures eased
Business-hour restrictions had been imposed last month as part of the federal government’s energy conservation and austerity measures following a sharp rise in domestic fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Officials said the easing of restrictions reflected efforts to balance economic activity and consumer convenience during the Eid shopping season.