Islamabad authorities on Saturday dismissed circulating reports about revised business operating hours, confirming that no new notification had been issued regarding commercial timings in the federal capital.
In an official statement, the Islamabad Capital Territory Administration said all existing restrictions introduced under the government’s energy conservation and austerity campaign would continue until further notice.
The administration clarified that markets, commercial centres and other business activities in Islamabad would operate according to the already announced schedule unless a fresh directive was officially released.
The statement came after widespread speculation online suggested that the federal capital might follow the same path as Sindh and Punjab, where authorities recently relaxed or reconsidered restrictions on business timings.
Earlier in the day, the Sindh government announced a major relief package for traders and business owners by removing mandatory closing hours for commercial activities across the province.
Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the decision was taken after consultations with traders and industrialists who had expressed concerns over the restrictions’ impact on economic activity.
According to the notification shared by the minister, shops, shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, food outlets, marriage halls and marquees in Sindh would now be allowed to operate without fixed closing times.
Memon stated that the move aimed to support economic growth, improve public convenience and address the concerns of the business community, which he described as the backbone of the economy.
The clarification from Islamabad authorities is expected to end uncertainty among traders and residents in the capital, many of whom were anticipating a similar relaxation in business hours following Sindh’s announcement.
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