ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Markets and malls in Islamabad will close at 8 pm from today; medical stores and hospitals will be exempted from the ban.
According to the notification, the new restrictions have come into effect from June 1, 2026. Pharmacies, hospitals, and medical stores will be exempted from the ban.
According to the notification, petrol pumps and CNG stations will remain open as usual, and restaurants, food outlets, tandoors, grocery, vegetable, fruit, and bakery shops will also close at 10 pm.
Wedding halls and marquees have been ordered to close at 10 pm. Earlier, the government, including AJK, allowed the market and malls to be open amid the Eid days.
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government temporarily lifted all restrictions on the working hours of markets, shops, hotels, and restaurants.
According to the new notification issued by the government, now business centers across Azad Kashmir will be able to remain open till late at night, and the restrictions imposed earlier in this regard will remain suspended till June 1, 2026.
The government has taken this decision keeping in mind the convenience of traders, the business community, and the public so that commercial activities can be promoted and citizens can get ease in shopping.
Earlier, under the notification issued on April 7, 2026, the closing hours of business centers were fixed; however, now it has been amended and given complete exemption.
According to the notification, shopping malls, markets, small and big shops, hotels, restaurants, and other business centers will be able to remain open till late at night as usual till June 1.
The government says that this move will not only boost business activities but will also facilitate citizens and tourists visiting tourist areas. Traders and business circles have welcomed the government’s move and called it a positive step for the economy and trade.
