The governments of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have announced significant relief in business and market restrictions ahead of Eidul Azha, allowing commercial activities to continue more freely during the busy shopping season.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the provincial government formally ended the previously imposed “smart lockdown” restrictions. The decision was issued through an official notification signed by the chief secretary. Under the new instructions, all limitations related to shop closing times and business operating hours have been removed until further notice.
As a result, markets, shopping centres, and commercial areas in Peshawar and other parts of the province will now be able to operate without fixed deadlines during Eid preparations. The decision is expected to increase business activity and provide convenience to shoppers ahead of the religious festival.
Despite lifting restrictions, provincial authorities appealed to citizens, traders, and business owners to use electricity carefully and avoid unnecessary power consumption. Officials said energy conservation should still remain a priority, especially during periods of increased commercial activity.
Meanwhile, the Balochistan government has also announced a major relaxation in business restrictions for Eidul Azha. According to a notification issued by the Home Department, all markets, shopping malls, shops, and commercial centres across the province will remain open without restrictions until June 1.
The latest decisions by both provinces come after earlier nationwide restrictions introduced under the federal government’s energy-saving policy. Those measures had limited market and business timings in an effort to reduce electricity usage across Pakistan.
Earlier, the Punjab government had also relaxed business restrictions ahead of Eid, allowing extended shopping hours for traders and customers. The easing of restrictions in multiple provinces is expected to support Eid-related business activity and provide relief to both shopkeepers and consumers during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year.
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