Islamabad imposes smart lockdown as government launches austerity drive

The government has imposed a smart lockdown in Islamabad as part of its new austerity campaign, a notification issued on Monday stated.

Under the new measures, all markets and shopping malls in the capital will close by 8:00 pm, while wedding halls and restaurants will be required to shut by 10:00 pm.

Restaurants, however, will be allowed to remain open for delivery and take-away services beyond the closing hours.

The lockdown restrictions will not apply to bakeries, medical stores, petrol pumps, CNG stations, or tandoors, according to the official notification.

The smart lockdown is scheduled to take effect from Tuesday, the government said.