LAHORE: The Punjab government on Saturday abolished the restriction of closing markets at 9pm, allowing traders, shopkeepers etc to avail this relaxation till July 9, the eve of Eidul Azha.

With the announcement made to this effect by Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz, the traders eying the rush of customers in the markets ahead of Eid took a sigh of relief.

“The decision has been taken to facilitate the traders community and the public at large ahead of Eid approaching fast. It will make ease in doing business round the clock ahead of Eid,” the chief minister said in a statement.

“Now there would be no time restriction till July 9,” he added.

CM for third-party audit of cleanliness plan for Eid

“It is a very good decision that has been taken by the chief minister after we approached and convinced him to help us,” said traders leader Naeem Mir in a statement.

The Punjab government had on June 18 announced closure of markets, bazaars and business centres across the province by 9pm.

The decision was taken as part of the government’s plan to deal with power shortage in the country.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz has ordered the officials concerned to set up a control room and get a third-party audit of the cleanliness plan for Eidul Azha.

Following a briefing about cleanliness arrangements on Eidul Azha and drainage arrangements in view of the expected rains by the Lahore commissioner and Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) chief executive officer (CEO) here on Saturday, the CM said the administration should be active to dispose of animal waste, making excellent cleanliness arrangements across the province.

Hamza was informed during the meeting that 1,086 vehicles would remain in the field on the occasion of Eidul Azha while only 480 vehicles remained in the field last year. He was also told that 3,516 pick-up vehicles would be arranged on rent to lift animal waste. As many as 280 camps would be set up at the union council level to collect the animal residues.

Special Assistant to CM Khawaja Ahmed Hasaan, Chaudhry Shahbaz Ahmad, Iftikhar Ahmed, Kabir Taj, Sibghatullah Sultan, Ghulam Dastagir, Imran Goraya, the secretary local government, Wasa managing director and other officials concerned attended the meeting.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2022