Govt announces new market timings amid austerity measures

ISLAMABAD: The government has determined that all markets, shopping malls, and commercial areas should close at 8 PM throughout the Islamabad Capital Territory.

Along with this announcement, the local authorities released a timetable which shows when markets will end their operations.

The new Standard Operating Procedures, which have been put into effect in Islamabad due to budgetary restrictions, will force shops to close their doors at 8 pm.

The businesses that received permission to operate during the closure included grocery stores, kirana stores, and meat shops. All shopping malls and stores throughout the city will shut down at 8 PM on both Saturdays and Sundays.

All medical stores, petrol pumps, and dairy shops received permission to continue their operations. The hotels, restaurants, and food outlets will operate until 10 pm, while their home delivery service will remain active.

The grocery stores, meat shops, vegetable shops, and bakery shops will operate until 10 PM. The wedding hall and marquee events will finish their activities by 10 PM.

The events in private homes will end at 10 PM. The gyms, sports clubs, and other entertainment facilities will shut down operations at 8 PM. The District Administration Islamabad issued an immediate announcement, which will stay in force until the administration decides to change it.