The Punjab government has officially lifted the 8 PM market closure restrictions for businesses across the province. This exemption applies to all shops, bazars, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, and food outlets. According to a notification issued on Friday, May 15, 2026, by the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD), businesses can now operate freely until June 1, 2026.
Relief for Businesses & the Public
The government made this decision following strong protests from traders, shopping mall associations, and the general public. Previously, the strict 8 PM closure timing severely impacted daily life. Citizens argued that office workers returning home at 6 PM barely had time to shop. Furthermore, traders highlighted that the hot weather and local shopping culture made early closures highly detrimental.
Traders also complained about strict enforcement measures. Officials from the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (Pera) routinely sealed shops and imposed fines for staying open even a minute past 8 PM. Consequently, the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) heavily advocated for easing these lockdown restrictions. The LCCI welcomed the recent notification, describing it as an important business-friendly step that protects jobs and supports economic recovery.
Market Closure Restrictions & Energy Conservation Drive
The initial restrictions began on April 6, 2026. The federal government mandated 8 PM closures across the country, excluding Sindh, to conserve energy. This move responded to a global fuel crisis triggered by the US-Israeli war on Iran. During this period, the government only exempted essential services like pharmacies, hospitals, petrol pumps, bakeries, and dairy shops. Restaurants faced a 10 PM deadline.
Stakeholders continuously demanded data on how much energy the early closures actually saved. Meanwhile, strict austerity measures remain active elsewhere. On Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended the nationwide austerity drive until June 13. This extension cuts the official vehicle fuel allowance by 50%, grounds 60% of official vehicles, and enforces a complete ban on non-essential foreign visits by government officials.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Follows Suit
Following Punjab’s decision, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also easing its market restrictions. KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Chief Minister Sohail Afridi held a telephone conversation on Friday to discuss the matter. Both leaders agreed to lift lockdown restrictions on shops, markets, and restaurants. They aim to reduce financial losses for the trader community while balancing public convenience with economic stability.
