New closure timings notified: Markets, shopping malls may remain open till 9pm in Punjab
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LAHORE: Reimposing the time bar on businesses in the province, the Punjab government has extended the closing hours for shops, markets and shopping malls by an hour, till 9pm, besides announcing separate shutdown timings for other specified businesses and commercial establishments.
The one-hour extension has been allowed in view of the longer daylight hours and rising temperatures in summer.
The Punjab government had earlier notified closing timings for shops, markets and shopping malls at 8pm on April 6, though it had lifted the timing ban from May 15 to June 1 because of Eidul Azha. The step was taken to help ensure fuel conservation and as an additional austerity measure.
Earlier in the day, the federal government’s cabinet division had issued a notification for 9pm closing time for shops, markets, shopping malls, as well as separate closing timings for specific businesses and commercial establishments.
In its latest notification, the Punjab government has announced that all shops, markets, shopping malls and bazaars, departmental, grocery, general and karyana stores shall be closed at 9pm throughout the week, including Saturday and Sunday, as a part of austerity measures and in view of longer daylight hours and rising temperatures in summer.
The notification says the marriage halls, marquees and all other commercial places, where festive events are held, shall be closed by 10pm.
The restaurants, cafes, cinemas, eateries and food outlets, as well as standalone fruit and vegetable shops, will be closed by 11pm. However, takeaway and home delivery services will remain exempted.
The Punjab government has exempted pharmacies, medical stores, medical supply stores, medical laboratories and hospitals from the order of early closure.
Similarly, standalone bakeries, tandoors, milk and dairy outlets, fuel pumps, CNG stations, electrical vehicle charging stations, as well as gyms, sports facilities and padel courts, IT companies and call centres will remain exempted from the notified closing hours.
Published in Dawn, June 4th, 2026
