Punjab Announces New Market Timings Across Pakistan

Lahore: The government has announced revised market timings across Punjab as part of updated business and energy management policies. The decision comes after long-standing requests from the business community to extend operating hours and improve trading flexibility.

According to Beyond Time News, traders and business associations have welcomed the new decision and appreciated Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for introducing the revised schedule.

Market Hours Extended After Earlier Restrictions

Earlier, markets across Punjab and several other regions were required to close by 8:00 PM under energy-saving measures introduced during a period of global fuel shortages and rising energy costs linked to regional tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

Those restrictions were introduced as part of a broader national strategy focused on reducing fuel consumption and managing electricity demand.

Federal-Level Energy Conservation Policy

At the federal level, authorities had decided that most markets across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) would shut down by 8:00 PM. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, focusing on economic stability and energy conservation.

Sindh was initially exempted from these restrictions, while KP’s divisional headquarters were allowed to remain open until 9:00 PM.

Revised Closing Timings for Different Businesses

Under the earlier framework, different categories of businesses were assigned specific closing times:

• Markets, bazaars, and shopping malls: 8:00 PM
• Bakeries, restaurants, tandoors, and food outlets: 10:00 PM
• Marriage halls, marquees, and banquet halls: 10:00 PM
• Private wedding events at homes: Must end by 10:00 PM
• Medical stores and pharmacies: Exempt from restrictions

These measures were initially implemented across the country, excluding Sindh, starting from April 7.

Digital Systems Used for Energy Support

Officials also shared updates during the policy review meeting, noting that petroleum-related support programs were being managed through digital wallets. Authorities confirmed that over 100,000 transactions had already been processed successfully.

Discussions with Sindh authorities are still ongoing regarding broader energy-saving strategies and fuel management policies.

Business Community Reaction

With the latest revision, business groups in Punjab have welcomed the more flexible approach, saying extended hours will help boost commercial activity and improve customer convenience.

At the same time, officials maintain that energy conservation remains an important priority, especially during periods of high demand and regional uncertainty.

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FAQs

1. What are the new market timings in Punjab?
Markets now have extended closing hours compared to earlier restrictions.

2. Why were earlier timings reduced to 8:00 PM?
They were introduced due to energy conservation and fuel shortage concerns.

3. Which businesses were most affected by the old policy?
Markets, malls, restaurants, and wedding halls were all placed under time limits.

4. Are medical stores included in these restrictions?
No, pharmacies and medical stores remain exempt.

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