• Decision comes in response to traders’ protests, appeals by shopping malls association and general public
• Lahore Chamber of Commerce welcomes move, describes it as ‘important business-friendly’ step
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor, CM resolve to ease restrictions in their province as well
LAHORE: Responding to traders’ protests and appeals by the shopping malls association and general public to revise 8pm business closure timings, the Punjab government has granted partial relief and lifted the restriction on market timings until June 1.
The Punjab Services and General Administration Department’s (S&GAD) Implementation and Coordination Wing on Friday notified that “all the shops, markets, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants and food outlets are exempted from the prescribed closure timings till June 1, 2026”.
On April 6, the federal government announced that all markets across the country, barring Sindh, would close by 8pm throughout the week as part of energy conservation measures amid a global fuel crisis triggered by the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Complying with the federal government’s decision, Punjab announced that all shops, markets, and shopping malls would close at 8pm, while hotels, restaurants, and food outlets would shut at 10pm, including on Saturdays and Sundays.
However, the government had exempted pharmacies, medical stores, medical supply stores, medical laboratories and hospitals from the order of early closure.
Similarly, petrol pumps, CNG stations, as well as tandoors, bakeries and milk/dairy shops were exempt from the closure order.
Even though restaurants and food outlets were required to shut by 10pm, there were no restrictions on takeaway and home delivery services.
While the Punjab government ordered that all marriage halls and wedding functions, including those organised at residences and farmhouses, shall be closed by 10pm, the latest notification did not explain the status of their closure timings.
The decision had drawn a strong reaction from the traders and public alike as they found that 8pm closure timings for markets were highly detrimental.
Considering the ongoing hot weather and the prevalent shopping and dining culture, the traders and public believed that the 8pm and 10pm timings for markets and food outlets, respectively, were too short.
People also contested that those reaching home from their offices by 6pm could not then shop at any market that was closing by 8pm.
Traders and other stakeholders also argued that the government should explain how much energy was being saved through these measures.
The traders had also been complaining about the alleged high-handedness of the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (Pera) officials, who were sealing shops that remained open even a minute after 8pm and imposing fines on their owners.
LCCI welcomes relief
Due to the continuous and effective efforts and strong demands of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Punjab government has taken an “important business-friendly” decision to ease lockdown restrictions and grant exemptions to markets, shopping malls, restaurants, and food outlets, according to a statement issued by the LCCI.
“This decision is being widely welcomed by the business community as a major relief and a positive step towards economic recovery,” it added.
“It is expected to ensure the continuity of commercial activities, protect jobs, and contribute to overall economic stability.”
The statement further noted that the “decision is being seen as a result of continuous dialogue and constructive engagement”, during which the LCCI “highlighted the real challenges faced by businesses and proposed workable solutions”.
On this occasion, the LCCI president appreciated the Punjab government for this step, the statement said.
He further said restrictions on business hours and lockdown measures directly affected the economy, as they not only impacted businesses but also placed millions of jobs at risk.
“In this context, the decision of the Punjab government is a responsible and pro-economy move,” the statement quoted him as saying.
Easing curbs in KP
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Friday agreed to ease lockdown restrictions in the province to facilitate the public and support economic activities.
During a telephonic conversation, Mr Kundi proposed lifting lockdown restrictions along the lines of Punjab and suggested exempting shops, markets, shopping malls, and restaurants from the restrictions.
The chief minister agreed with the proposal and both leaders discussed measures aimed at balancing public convenience with economic stability.
Governor Kundi said the relaxation in business hours for shops, markets, and shopping malls would help reduce the financial losses being faced by the trader community.
Both leaders agreed to adopt a joint strategy to promote economic activities and ensure maximum public facilitation.
With input from APP
Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2026
