LAHORE: The Punjab government has issued a new notification revising business hours for markets, shopping centres and wedding venues across the province in a move aimed at improving energy efficiency and regulating commercial activity.
According to the official directive, all shops, markets and shopping malls will now close at 9:00 pm. Wedding halls, marquees and other commercial event venues will be allowed to remain open until 10:00 pm.
The notification further states that restaurants, hotels and vegetable shops will be required to shut by 11:00 pm under the revised schedule.
Officials said the decision was taken after approval from Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Zaman, and the notification was issued by the Industries and Commerce Department.
However, several sectors have been exempted from the new restrictions. These include medical stores, IT companies, tandoors, gyms and fuel stations, which will continue operating under existing timings.
Authorities said the new timings are part of broader efforts to manage energy consumption and streamline urban commercial activity across the province, particularly in major cities such as Lahore.
The revised schedule is expected to affect thousands of businesses and may also influence consumer patterns, especially in evening trading hours.
