Business hours restrictions suspended nationwide till May 31

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the suspension of nationwide business operating hour restrictions, allowing commercial centres across Pakistan to function without time limits until May 31, 2026, according to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division on Monday.

The decision has been taken ahead of Eidul Adha, effectively permitting 24-hour operations for all major commercial segments during the exemption period.

Under the order, shops, departmental stores, bazaars, markets, shopping malls, bakeries, tandoors, restaurants and grocery stores will be allowed to operate continuously, with immediate effect.

The Cabinet Division notification stated that the exemption applies “till 31st May, 2026” and overrides previously imposed closure timings notified on April 6, 2026.

The move follows a broader relaxation trend, as provincial governments in Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have also withdrawn fixed closing hours for commercial establishments in recent days.

Earlier in April, austerity-driven measures had set operating limits for businesses, including 8pm closing times in non-divisional areas, 9pm in divisional headquarters, and restricted restaurant hours from 7pm to 11:30pm, while delivery services remained unaffected.