Govt Returns to Pre-War Routine, Ends Most Austerity Measures After Petrol Relief

The federal government has withdrawn all fuel conservation and additional austerity measures introduced since 9 March 2026, following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s approval, according to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division.

The decision follows a sharp reduction in petroleum product prices announced by the government on Friday.

The decision takes immediate effect and rolls back the emergency measures introduced during the US war on Iran. However, the market closing hours notified on 3 June and 10 June 2026 will remain for the time being.

Under the existing schedule, shops, markets, shopping malls, departmental stores and bazaars must close by 9 PM.

Marriage halls, marquees and other event venues will continue to close at 10 PM, while restaurants, cafés, eateries, fruit and vegetable shops, grocery stores and food outlets must close by 11 PM.

Home delivery and takeaway services remain exempt.

Pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, medical laboratories, bakeries, tandoors, milk and dairy shops, petrol and CNG stations, electric vehicle charging stations, gyms, sports facilities, IT companies and call centres will remain exempt from the early closing schedule.

Austerity measures that were already in place before 9 March 2026 will continue to remain effective.

The rollback also restores several government facilities that had been suspended under the fuel conservation drive.

These include the resumption of the Friday weekly holiday, restoration of the full official fuel allowance for government vehicles, and withdrawal of the decision that had kept 60 percent of government vehicles off the road as part of fuel-saving efforts.