By Ali Imran
ISLAMABAD: The district administration of Islamabad sets fixed closing times of 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm for different businesses across the Federal Capital. The order, released by the Office of the District Magistrate, outlines sector-wise timings and lists exemptions under ongoing austerity measures. According to the notification, all shops, markets and shopping malls will close at 8:00 pm throughout the week, including weekends.
The order applies across the city without exception for days. However, certain essential services are allowed to operate beyond this time. These include pharmacies, medical stores, medical laboratories and hospitals. Petrol pumps and CNG stations are also exempt. Milk and dairy shops are included in the exemption list.
The notification further states that restaurants, food outlets, tandoors, grocery stores, karyana stores, meat shops, fruit shops including dry fruit, vegetable vendors and bakeries will close at 10:00 pm. There is no restriction on takeaway and home delivery services for these businesses, allowing them to continue operations beyond the closing time in that form.
Marriage halls, marquees and other commercial places where events are held will also close at 10:00 pm. This rule applies throughout the week and also covers events held at private premises. The administration has made it clear that the same timing will be followed in all such cases without exception.
In addition, all sports facilities and clubs, including gyms, will close by 10:00 pm. This measure brings uniformity in closing hours for recreational and event-based venues. The notification is issued as a partial modification of an earlier order dated 16 April 2026. Officials said the revised timings are part of steps linked to austerity measures currently in place. The new instructions came into effect on 25 April 2026 and will remain applicable until further orders. The notification sets clear time limits for commercial activity in Islamabad and defines which services will remain available beyond standard closing hours.
