Punjab Government Eases Market Timing Restrictions Across Province Until June 1
The Punjab government on Friday announced the temporary relaxation of business operating hour restrictions across the province, suspending the mandatory closure of markets and commercial centres by 8pm until June 1.
According to an official notification, the decision applies immediately to markets, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, and food outlets throughout Punjab.
Lahore Deputy Commissioner Ali Ejaz said the move was aimed at facilitating traders and making shopping more convenient for citizens.
“Providing relief to traders is the government’s priority,” he said, adding that businesses would no longer be required to close at 8pm from Friday onwards.
The restrictions were originally introduced last month as part of nationwide energy conservation measures amid rising domestic fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East.
In April, the Prime Minister’s Office directed shopping malls, departmental stores, and retail outlets across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad, Gilgit Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir to close by 8pm in an effort to reduce energy consumption.
Following the federal directives, the Punjab government implemented additional austerity and fuel-saving measures throughout the province.
Educational institutions were instructed to hold physical classes only from Monday to Thursday, while public transport services including the Orange Line, Metro Bus, Speedo, and Green Bus were made free for commuters.
The provincial government also introduced relief packages for farmers and motorcyclists. Farmers were offered a diesel subsidy of Rs100 per litre per acre, while motorcyclists received Rs100 relief on every 20 litres of petrol purchased.
Additionally, allowances of Punjab Assembly members were reduced by 25% for two months, and 70% of official assembly vehicles were temporarily removed from operational use as part of broader cost-cutting efforts.
The latest relaxation in business hours is expected to provide temporary economic relief to traders and retailers ahead of the June 1 deadline.
