ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui on Monday directed the acting deputy commissioner to submit the notification regarding early closure of markets and shops in the federal capital on Tuesday.

He was hearing a petition filed by Al-Safa Shopping Mall against early closure of markets.

The federal government as part of energy conservation plan decided to shut down shops, marriage halls and restaurants in Islamabad at 8pm, 10pm and 11pm respectively.

The petitioner claimed the government did not issue any notißcation in this regard and the Islamabad administration has been illegally harassing traders asking them to close down shopping malls and markets by 8pm.

The petitioner claimed the timing for the capital and Punjab markets was discriminatory as other provinces were exempted from such restriction.

Further hearing in this matter has been adjourned till Tuesday. Staff Reporter