The federal government has announced a major policy shift after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the withdrawal of several fuel-saving and austerity measures. As a result, the decision that once reduced government spending on transportation and official operations will no longer remain in effect. The latest development comes as authorities review economic conditions and administrative requirements across the country.
The most notable change involves the decision to end the Friday holiday across federal institutions. Government offices will now continue their regular weekly schedule. Officials believe the move will improve administrative efficiency and help public departments maintain a consistent workflow throughout the week.
At the same time, the Cabinet Division issued a formal notification outlining the updated measures. According to the notification, government departments can once again use their official fuel allocations without the restrictions introduced under earlier conservation policies. Therefore, ministries and federal offices will return to previous operational arrangements.
In addition, authorities have withdrawn the decision that limited the use of government vehicles. Earlier measures required departments to keep a large number of official vehicles off the road to reduce fuel consumption. However, the government has now reversed that policy. Consequently, departments can resume the normal use of their vehicle fleets for official duties.
The announcement attracted public attention because the Friday holiday ends after months of discussions about administrative reforms and energy-saving initiatives. Many employees and businesses had closely followed developments regarding government operating schedules. Therefore, the latest notification clarifies how federal institutions will operate in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, authorities decided to keep business operating hours unchanged. Officials confirmed that restrictions introduced earlier this month will remain in place. As a result, markets, shopping centers, and commercial areas must continue following the approved closing schedule.
Under the current rules, shops, markets, shopping malls, and bazaars will close at 9:00 PM. The government believes these measures can still help manage energy consumption during peak evening hours. Therefore, commercial activities must continue within the approved timeframe.
Similarly, marriage halls and event venues must conclude operations by 10:00 PM. Authorities say this schedule supports broader energy management objectives while allowing businesses to continue serving customers. Consequently, event organizers must adjust their activities according to the established timings.
Restaurants, cafés, and food outlets will also continue following existing regulations. They may operate until 11:00 PM each day. However, customers can still use takeaway and home delivery services after that time because the government exempted those services from the restrictions.
The decision that the Friday holiday ends does not affect essential services. Instead, authorities have maintained exemptions for sectors that provide critical public support. Therefore, healthcare and emergency-related facilities can continue operating without restrictions.
According to the notification, pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, laboratories, bakeries, tandoors, and milk shops remain exempt from business hour limitations. Officials recognize the importance of these services in daily life. Consequently, citizens can continue accessing them whenever needed.
Likewise, fuel-related facilities remain outside the scope of the restrictions. Petrol pumps, CNG stations, electric vehicle charging stations, and related services can continue to serve customers in accordance with operational requirements. Therefore, transportation and mobility services will not face additional limitations.
Furthermore, authorities have extended exemptions to the technology and sports sectors. Gyms, sports facilities, IT companies, and call centers may continue to operate without being subject to the market closing schedule. Officials say these sectors contribute significantly to economic activity and employment opportunities.
Government sources also clarified that not all austerity measures have ended. While several restrictions have been withdrawn, other policies introduced before March 9, 2026, will remain in effect. Therefore, the administration still plans to maintain selected cost-control initiatives where necessary.
The latest announcement marks an important adjustment in federal policy. As the Friday holiday ends, government offices will return to a more traditional work schedule. At the same time, authorities will continue to enforce market closing times and maintain selected energy conservation measures. Consequently, the government aims to balance administrative efficiency with responsible resource management while ensuring essential services remain available to the public.
