MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has temporarily lifted all restrictions on the working hours of markets, shops, hotels and restaurants.
According to the new notification issued by the government, now business centers across Azad Kashmir will be able to remain open till late night and the restrictions imposed earlier in this regard will remain suspended till June 1, 2026.
The government has taken this decision keeping in mind the convenience of traders, business community and public so that commercial activities can be promoted and citizens can get ease in shopping.
Earlier, under the notification issued on April 7, 2026, the closing hours of business centers were fixed, however, now it has been amended and given complete exemption.
According to the notification, shopping malls, markets, small and big shops, hotels, restaurants and other business centers will be able to remain open till late night as usual till June 1.
The government says that this move will not only boost business activities but will also facilitate citizens and tourists visiting tourist areas. Traders and business circles have welcomed the government’s move and called it a positive step for the economy and trade.
Sindh govt lifts early closure restrictions on markets, restaurants
The Sindh government has eased the business hours for markets, commercial centers, and restaurants, lifting the restriction of early closure, a day after the Punjab government implemented a similar decision.
Taking on X, the Provincial Information Minister, Sharjeel Inam Memon, said that the Government of Sindh has exempted shops, markets, malls, hotels, restaurants, wedding halls, and marquees from fixed closing timings to “facilitate businesses and citizens”.
The official notification, shared by Sharjeel Inam on X, said that all shops, markets, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, food outlets, marriage halls, and marquees are hereby exempted from the closure timings of 9 pm.
“This decision reflects our commitment to economic growth, public convenience, and support for the business community, which remains the backbone of our economy,” he wrote.
He said that the early closure timings for markets, restaurants, and wedding halls were originally set under the energy conservation measures, but this decision was reviewed, keeping in mind the suggestions and problems of traders and industrialists.
Memon emphasized that the business community is the backbone of the country’s economy and the government will continue to take all possible steps to solve their problems. He said that despite the difficult economic conditions, protecting the interests of the public and the business community is the top priority of the government.
Last month, the provincial government imposed the decision of the early closure of markets, bazaars, and shopping malls at 9 pm across the province, following the federal government’s measures for comprehensive energy conservation.
Punjab eases business hours
The Punjab government on Wednesday announced the temporary relaxation in the closure timings of markets, shopping malls, and restaurants across the province.
As per the notification issued by the Services and General Administration, the business will no longer be required to close at 8 pm, and restaurants can operate after 10 pm till June 1.
“All the Shops, Markets, Shopping Malls, Hotels, Restaurants, and Food Outlets are exempted from the prescribed closure timings till 01.06.2026,” the notification stated.
In addition, the Deputy Commissioner Lahore also announced that business centers in the city will remain open until 10 pm. In his statement, he said that the move aims to provide relief to the business community.
“Directions have been given to implement the decision to extend the hours of markets immediately,” DC Lahore said.
