The federal government has confirmed an austerity measures rollback in Pakistan, withdrawing nearly all fuel conservation rules it introduced since 9 March 2026. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the decision, according to a notification from the Cabinet Division. The move marks one of the most significant policy reversals since the measures first came into force.

The decision follows a sharp cut in petroleum product prices, which the government announced on Friday. This price relief appears to have created room for the broader rollback. The notification confirms the change takes immediate effect.

This rollback effectively reverses the emergency steps the government took during the US war on Iran. However, not everything is changing right away. The market closing hours from 3 June and 10 June 2026 will remain in place for now.

Under the current schedule, shops, markets, shopping malls, departmental stores and bazaars must still close by 9 PM. Marriage halls, marquees and other event venues will continue closing at 10 PM. Meanwhile, restaurants, cafés, eateries, fruit and vegetable shops, grocery stores and food outlets must close by 11 PM. Home delivery and takeaway services remain exempt from these limits.

Several sectors continue operating without restriction. Pharmacies, hospitals, clinics and medical laboratories remain exempt, as do bakeries, tandoors, and milk and dairy shops. Petrol and CNG stations, electric vehicle charging stations, gyms and sports facilities also stay open as usual. IT companies and call centres round out the exemption list. Additionally, any austerity measures already in place before 9 March 2026 will continue without change.

Beyond market timings, this austerity measures rollback restores several government facilities that had been on hold during the fuel conservation drive. The Friday weekly holiday is returning for government employees. Furthermore, government vehicles will regain their full official fuel allowance. The government has also withdrawn the earlier decision that kept 60 percent of government vehicles off the road.

Together, these changes signal a broader return to normal government operations. Still, officials have not indicated whether the remaining market closing rules will lift soon. For now, citizens can expect a mix of restored routines and a few lingering restrictions as the transition continues.