In a major boost for the retail sector ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially suspended nationwide business operating hour restrictions. A fresh notification issued by the Cabinet Division confirms that commercial centers across Pakistan are now permitted to operate 24/7 without any time limits until May 31, 2026.
The sudden policy shift effectively greenlights round-the-clock commercial activity during this peak festive shopping season. Under the new executive order, the exemption applies with immediate effect to a wide array of businesses, including:
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Shopping malls, bazaars, and traditional markets
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Departmental and grocery stores
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Restaurants, bakeries, and tandoors
The Cabinet Division clarified that this temporary relief package completely overrides the previous early-closure mandates issued on April 6, 2026.
Prior to this update, the government had enforced strict operating limits as part of a national energy conservation and economic austerity drive. Those earlier measures required markets to close by early evening and restricted restaurant dining hours, though home delivery services remained exempt. This latest directive completely rolls back those limits, restoring full operational flexibility to the country's retail and hospitality sectors.
