Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, has introduced revised operating hours for businesses, requiring them to shut by 8 pm from Monday as part of an austerity drive due to the conflict in West Asia and the resulting rise in energy costs.
The conflict has increased pressure on fuel-importing countries across Asia, driving up inflation and straining external finances.
As a result, governments are being pushed to adopt urgent measures to support their currencies and limit the economic impact.
Pakistan revises market timings: Markets must shut by 8 pm, while restaurants and grocery stores can remain open until 10 pm.
Essential services, including pharmacies, hospitals, petrol pumps, dairy shops, sports facilities, call centres and IT companies serving international clients, remain exempt from the restrictions.
The reduced business hours were first introduced in March after the US-Israeli attack on Iran led to a sharp rise in fuel prices.
Pakistan relies heavily on the Strait of Hormuz to meet its energy requirements, with shipments being carried at higher costs due to the worldwide increase in energy prices.
