Islamabad: The Prime Minister has approved the immediate withdrawal of all “fuel-saving and austerity measures” that had been in effect since March 9, 2026. A formal notification has been issued by the Cabinet Division.
In view of the reduction in petroleum product prices, the government has also abolished the official Friday holiday. In addition, the decision to restrict fuel facilities for government officers and to keep 60 percent of government vehicles off the road has been reversed.
Despite the end of the austerity measures, the market closing timings introduced on June 3 and June 10, 2026, will remain in force. Under these orders, shops, markets, and shopping malls will close at 9:00 PM, wedding halls and marquees at 10:00 PM, and restaurants and cafés at 11:00 PM. However, home delivery and takeaway services for restaurants will remain exempt from these restrictions.
Furthermore, pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, laboratories, bakeries, tandoors, milk shops, petrol and CNG stations, electric vehicle charging stations, gyms, sports facilities, IT companies, and call centers will also remain exempt from the operating-hour restrictions and may continue functioning as usual.
It is worth noting that other austerity measures introduced before March 9, 2026, will remain in effect.
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