LAHORE (Kashmir English): The Lahore district administration on Friday relaxed the closure timings of markets, shopping malls, and restaurants across the district till June 1 with immediate effect.
In a statement, the Deputy Commissioner Lahore said a special concession was announced on the long-standing demand of the business community.
Under the new decision, the markets will no longer be required to close at 8 pm, while they will remain open until 10 pm.
“Directions have been given to implement the decision to extend the hours of markets immediately,” DC Lahore said.
“All the Shops, Markets, Shopping Malls, Hotels, Restaurants, and Food Outlets are exempted from the prescribed closure timings till 01.06.2026,” the notification issued by the Government of Punjab said.
Govt’s earlier decision
Last month, the provincial government imposed the decision of the early closure of markets, bazaars, and shopping malls across the province, following the federal government’s measures for comprehensive energy conservation.
Similarly, the district administration Lahore notified that under the new measures, all shops, markets, and shopping malls across Punjab will close at 8:00 pm seven days a week.
It was also announced that all hotels, restaurants, food outlets, and marriage halls (including functions at residences and farmhouses) will be closed by 10 pm, with the exception of takeaway and home delivery services.
Earlier, in a statement on April 6, the federal government directed the closure of markets, bazaars, and shopping malls across the country at 8 pm, starting.
The decision was taken during an important review meeting, chaired by PM Shahbaz on Monday, regarding petroleum products, energy conservation, and the implementation of austerity measures, the Media Wing of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a handout.
It said that this decision has been taken in consultation with the provincial government.
The statement further said that the meeting was told that the consultation process is underway with the Sindh government regarding the early closure of markets and other working hours.
“Shops selling daily necessities, departmental stores, and all types of malls will also close at 8 pm. Bakeries, restaurants, tandoors, and other food and beverage shops will be closed at 10 pm,” according to the statement.
Furthermore, it has been decided that marriage halls, marquees, and other commercial places where weddings are held will remain closed after 10 pm.
There will be a ban on holding wedding ceremonies after 10 pm in private properties and homes, the meeting decided.
Moreover, the federal government has announced that the working hours of medical stores and pharmacies will be exempted from these restrictions.
