Markets and shopping malls in Islamabad will close at 8pm starting Monday, following new business hours announced by the district administration.

Under the new rules, pharmacies, hospitals, medical laboratories and medical stores have been exempted from the restrictions and may continue operating as usual.

Petrol pumps and CNG stations will also remain open under their regular schedules.

The notification further exempts dairy shops, takeaway and home-delivery services, gyms and other sports facilities from the new closing-time requirements.

IT companies and call centres will also be allowed to continue their operations without interruption.

Restaurants, food outlets, tandoors, grocery stores, fruit and vegetable shops, and bakeries have been directed to close by 10pm.

Wedding halls and marquees must also cease operations by 10pm., the order said.

The district administration said the revised timings took effect immediately and will remain in force until further notice.

Officials said the measures are part of efforts to regulate commercial activity and energy consumption in the federal capital.