Markets Get Relief As Govt Extends Closure Timing Exemption

The federal government has temporarily relaxed early closure restrictions for markets, shops and eateries across the country, giving businesses immediate relief until May 31. The decision was reported on Monday after a Cabinet Division notification confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had approved the exemption.

The relaxation covers a wide range of commercial activity, including shops, departmental stores, shopping malls, markets, bakeries, tandoors, restaurants and grocery outlets. These businesses had previously been facing early shutdown requirements under an energy conservation policy introduced during heightened pressure on fuel supplies.

The earlier federal order, issued on April 6, had required markets in most parts of the country to close by 8pm. Restaurants, bakeries, wedding halls and other eateries were allowed to operate later, but still faced defined limits as the government attempted to reduce electricity consumption amid a wider global fuel crisis.

According to the latest notification, the exemption takes effect immediately and will remain in place until the end of May. The move signals a short-term policy adjustment after pressure from traders, business groups and the public, who argued that strict closure hours were hurting sales, employment and customer access.

The decision also follows similar steps already taken by provincial governments. Punjab moved first by granting partial relief on May 15 and allowing markets, malls, restaurants and food outlets to operate beyond the earlier deadline until June 1. Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa later also eased restrictions on market timings.

In Sindh, the previous closure framework had required shops and malls in Karachi and other divisional headquarters to close at 9pm, while restaurants and wedding venues were given limited evening operating windows. Essential services such as medical stores, clinics, hospitals, fuel stations, laboratories and some food-related shops were exempted from those restrictions.

The temporary federal exemption is important for urban economies because late-evening business hours are a major part of commercial life in Pakistan, especially during summer. Retailers, food businesses, transporters and daily-wage workers often depend on evening customers, while families generally prefer shopping after office hours and cooler weather.

However, the decision also highlights the balancing act facing policymakers. Pakistan continues to struggle with energy costs, electricity demand and fuel-related pressures, while traders argue that conservation measures should not be implemented in a way that shifts the burden mainly onto small businesses and consumers.

The next question is whether the exemption will end on May 31 or be extended again after a review of energy demand and market conditions. For now, businesses have gained a temporary window to operate more freely, but the broader debate over energy conservation, commercial timings and economic relief is likely to continue into June.