Overview
- The Islamabad administration, in a Tuesday order signed by Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon, enforced early closings with shops and malls shutting at 8 pm and restaurants and event venues at 10 pm until further notice.
- Takeaway and home delivery for food face no time limits under the new rules, which also require private functions to end by 10 pm.
- Essential services are exempt, including pharmacies, hospitals, medical labs, petrol and CNG stations, and milk and dairy shops.
- Reporting from Pakistan Observer and Business Today says gyms, sports facilities, call centres, and IT firms serving overseas clients received added leeway to operate past the standard cutoffs.
- Authorities have warned of penalties for violations as part of a national austerity push launched in March, and traders have threatened protests from May 14 if hours are not eased.