LAHORE (Kashmir English): 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.
Govt’s earlier decision
Last month, the provincial government imposed the decision of the early closure of markets, bazaars, and shopping malls at 8:00 pm seven days a week across the province, following the federal government’s measures for comprehensive energy conservation.
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.
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.
