The Punjab government has reinstated regular business operating hours across the province following the expiry of the temporary Eid ul Azha relaxation granted to markets and restaurants.
Under the policy, markets, shops, shopping malls and commercial centers must now close by 8pm, while restaurants, marriage halls and food outlets are permitted to operate until 10pm.
The Eid-related exemption, which allowed businesses to remain open beyond the prescribed timings, ended on Monday. Authorities have been directed to enforce the closure schedule as part of the provincial government’s energy conservation measures aimed at reducing electricity consumption.
The move has drawn criticism from traders, who argue that shorter business hours could affect sales and commercial activity. Business representatives say customer traffic typically peaks during the evening, particularly in summer when many people prefer to visit markets after work and after temperatures decline.
Traders have urged the government to review the policy and allow greater flexibility in operating hours, maintaining that extended evening trading hours would benefit both consumers and businesses.
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