ISLAMABAD: Authorities have reintroduced smart lockdown measures in Islamabad and revised business operating hours in Punjab as part of an energy conservation campaign aimed at reducing electricity consumption.
According to an official notification, all shops and markets in Islamabad will now close at 8:00 PM, while hotels and restaurants will be required to shut down by 10:00 PM. Essential services, including medical stores and hospitals, have been exempted from the restrictions.
In Punjab, the government has also reinstated earlier business-hour regulations under the energy-saving initiative. The temporary exemption from time restrictions remains valid until June 1, after which the revised schedule will take effect from June 2.
Under the new rules, markets across Punjab will close at 8:00 PM, while restaurants, tandoors, and general stores will be permitted to operate until 10:00 PM.
Meanwhile, authorities in Balochistan have announced that the relaxation in business operating hours will expire today, with regular restrictions expected to resume thereafter.
The measures are part of broader efforts by provincial and federal authorities to curb energy consumption and manage power demand during the summer season.
