The Government of Pakistan has temporarily lifted restrictions on business operating hours, allowing all commercial activities to remain open 24 hours a day until May 31, 2026.

According to an official notification issued by the Cabinet Division on May 18, 2026, the exemption has been granted with immediate effect under the approval of the Prime Minister.

The decision suspends earlier closure timings notified on April 6, 2026, and applies to all shops, departmental stores, bazaars, markets, and shopping malls across the country.

The relaxation also extends to bakeries, tandoors, restaurants, and grocery stores, allowing them to operate throughout the week without time restrictions.

The notification states that all listed businesses are exempt from previously imposed closing hours until the end of May, enabling continuous commercial activity on all seven days of the week.

The order has been issued by Joint Secretary (Cabinet) Waqas Ahmed Bajwa.