Islamabad: The federal government has reintroduced austerity and fuel-conservation measures with immediate effect, with the Cabinet Division officially listing a fresh notification dated September 17, 2026. The move comes amid pressure on fuel supplies and higher petroleum costs.
Under the notified timings, shops, markets, bazaars and shopping malls will close by 9pm, while marriage halls and marquees will close by 10pm. Restaurants, cafés and food outlets can remain open until 11pm, while takeaway and home-delivery services are exempt. City42 also reported the same 9pm, 10pm and 11pm timings on September 17.
Pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, laboratories, standalone bakeries and tandoors, milk and dairy shops, fuel and CNG stations, EV charging stations, gyms, sports facilities, IT companies and call centres are exempt from the closing-time restrictions. Marriage-related functions will also follow the single-dish rule.
Separately, the government has ordered a 50% reduction in fuel provision for official vehicles for three months, banned most new government vehicle and durable-goods purchases, restricted official foreign travel for three months and directed departments to prefer teleconferencing. Reuters independently confirmed the fresh austerity package.
Important: the commercial timing measures are being applied in Islamabad, while provincial and regional governments may separately consider similar measures. They should not automatically be presented as already applicable across Punjab or the entire country.
