ISLAMABAD: The district administration in the federal capital, Islamabad, has issued a new notification, maintaining the restrictions on business hours, under which it is mandatory for shops and shopping centres across the city to close by 8 pm.
According to officials, this step has been taken to ensure civic order and efficient use of energy. The ban will be applicable on all days of the week, including Saturday and Sunday.
The notification states that sectors related to health and basic necessities have been exempted. Medical stores, hospitals and laboratories, besides petrol pumps and CNG stations, will remain open. Similarly, bakeries, tandoors and milk shops have also been exempted from the ban.
Meanwhile, restaurants, hotels and other food points have been directed to close by 10 pm; however, takeaway and home delivery services have been allowed to continue to facilitate citizens.
The same timings have been fixed for wedding halls, banquets and functions, while the same timings will also apply to weddings held in residential areas and farmhouses.
The district administration has emphasised that these orders are an extension of the notification issued on April 25 and will be strictly enforced until further notice, with no tolerance for violations in the interest of national energy efficiency.
