Pakistan orders earlier market closures in Islamabad to curb energy use

The Islamabad Capital Territory Administration announced that all major markets, shopping centres and commercial outlets in the city must close by 8 p.m., with restaurants, food outlets and tandoors required to shut by 10 p.m. The measure is part of a nationwide energy‑conservation plan introduced after global fuel prices surged following conflicts in the Middle East.

In Punjab, officials are expected to confirm whether the temporary extension that allowed markets to stay open later will be withdrawn, reverting to the same 8 p.m. cutoff from June 2. The restrictions aim to reduce electricity consumption and ease the country’s energy burden amid rising petrol and LNG costs.