Pakistan grants relaxation in business operating hours until May 31

ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan has granted temporary relaxation in business operating hours across the country, allowing commercial centres to remain open beyond previously set restrictions until May 31.

According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved an exemption from closing-time restrictions for shops and business centres nationwide.

The notification said that all markets, departmental stores and shopping malls will be allowed to operate normally throughout the week during the exemption period.

It added that bakeries, tandoors, restaurants and grocery stores will also remain exempt from the previously enforced operating-hour limitations.

The move is aimed at facilitating business activity and easing operational restrictions for commercial sectors during the specified period.

Earlier, Pakistan strongly condemned a reported drone attack on the Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates, expressing solidarity with the Gulf nation and calling for restraint.

In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan condemns any attack on a nuclear energy facility in the UAE.

He expressed full solidarity with the leadership and people of the UAE, urging all parties to exercise maximum restraint and fulfill their responsibilities under international law.

The prime minister stressed that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path toward lasting regional peace, stability and de-escalation of tensions.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office also issued a statement condemning the attack, saying deliberate targeting of a nuclear energy facility constitutes a violation of international law and nuclear safety principles.

A spokesperson said civilian nuclear installations must not be targeted under any circumstances, warning that such attacks could have devastating consequences for human lives, the environment and global peace.