LAHORE: The Government of Punjab has withdrawn the controversial 8pm market closure rule until June 1 after strong protests from traders and appeals from shopping mall owners and the public.
The Punjab Services and General Administration Department issued the notification on Friday. The government allowed shops, markets, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants and food outlets to operate without the earlier restrictions.
Traders and Public Opposed the Restrictions
The federal government introduced the early closure policy on April 6 as part of energy-saving measures during the global fuel crisis linked to tensions involving the US, Israel and Iran.
After the federal announcement, Punjab ordered markets and shopping malls to close by 8pm. Restaurants and food outlets had to shut by 10pm, including on weekends.
The decision triggered strong criticism from traders and the public. Business owners said the timings hurt commercial activity and reduced customer flow.
Many citizens argued that office workers reached home around 6pm and had little time left for shopping before markets closed.
Traders also highlighted Pakistan’s late-evening shopping culture and said the extreme summer heat made daytime shopping difficult.
Business Community Criticized Strict Enforcement
Shopkeepers accused the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority of taking harsh action against businesses.
According to traders, officials sealed shops and imposed fines even when owners delayed closing by a few minutes.
Business leaders also questioned how much electricity the government actually saved through the policy.
LCCI Calls Decision ‘Business-Friendly’
The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed the Punjab government’s decision and called it a positive step for businesses.
The chamber said the move would help economic activity continue and protect jobs across the province.
LCCI officials said they had held continuous discussions with the government and highlighted the difficulties faced by traders under the restrictions.
The chamber’s president praised the government for responding to the concerns of the business community.
He said limits on business hours damaged trade, affected industries and increased financial pressure on workers and companies.
KP Govt Also Plans Relief
Meanwhile, Faisal Karim Kundi and Sohail Afridi agreed to ease similar restrictions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
During a phone conversation, both leaders discussed exempting markets, shopping malls and restaurants from early closure rules.
They said relaxed business hours would support traders, reduce financial losses and improve economic activity in the province.
