ISLAMABAD – A misleading notification claiming change in business operating hours under the government’s austerity campaign has been declared completely fake by authorities, as it triggering confusion among the residents of Islamabad.
According to the district administration, no such directive has been issued regarding any alteration in business timings within the federal capital. Officials firmly rejected the circulating document, clarifying that it holds no legal or administrative validity.
@dcislamabad
محترم DC اسلام آباد،
سوشل میڈیا پر یہ نوٹیفکیشن گردش کر رہا ہے۔ براہِ کرم تصدیق فرما دیں کہ آیا یہ نوٹیفکیشن اصل ہے یا فیک تاکہ عوام میں پھیلنے والی کنفیوژن ختم ہو سکے۔ شکریہ۔ pic.twitter.com/QOBWmlvPdP— Saqib Javed🐅 (@SaqibjavedPMLN) May 16, 2026
A spokesperson for the district administration said business operating hours in Islamabad will continue unchanged under the ongoing government austerity measures, putting to rest any speculation fueled by the fake notice.
Authorities further emphasized that any future adjustment in business hours would only be implemented through a properly verified and officially issued notification. Until then, all circulating claims suggesting changes are baseless and should not be trusted.
The administration has urged citizens and traders to rely only on official announcements and avoid sharing unverified information that may cause unnecessary confusion in the city.
On Friday, Punjab government suspended its 8pm market closure rule after strong pressure from traders, mall associations, and the public, allowing all shops, markets, malls, hotels, and restaurants to operate freely until June 1, 2026.
The earlier restrictions were part of a federal energy-saving plan introduced during a global fuel crisis, which required markets to close at 8pm and food outlets at 10pm, with some essential services exempt. The strict timings had sparked widespread criticism from businesses and citizens, who called them impractical, harmful to sales, and poorly enforced, especially in hot weather and for working people returning home late.
Traders hailed relief, saying it would help protect jobs and stabilize economic activity ahead of Eid. Meanwhile, Sindh, and KP also relaxed restrictions, with both the governor and chief minister agreeing in principle to relax business hours to support economic activity and reduce losses for traders.
Market Timings Revised in Lahore as Govt ends 8 PM closure ahead of Eid
