Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has announced new timings for markets, shopping malls, and other commercial establishments following a high-level meeting. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, daily-use shops, departmental stores, and malls will now close by 8 PM starting April 7, 2026.
Bakeries, restaurants, tandoors, and food shops are allowed to operate until 10 PM, while marriage halls and event venues must also close after 10 PM. The new rules also extend to private homes, restricting wedding celebrations beyond 10 PM.
Medical stores and pharmacies are exempt from these restrictions. The implementation will cover Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s divisional headquarters, markets and shopping malls can remain open until 9 PM. In Sindh, authorities are still consulting on final operating hours.
These measures come amid ongoing discussions on energy, petroleum, and public welfare policies. Officials emphasized the importance of maintaining public safety while ensuring essential services continue uninterrupted. Citizens are advised to plan their activities according to the revised timings.
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