The Punjab government has temporarily relaxed the previously imposed business closure timings across the province, granting relief to shops, markets, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, and food outlets until June 1, 2026.
According to an official notification issued by the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD), the latest decision was made as a continuation of an earlier notification released on April 6, 2026. Under the new instructions, the businesses included in the notification will no longer be required to follow the mandatory early closing hours that had earlier been introduced by the provincial government.
Last month, the Punjab government had implemented strict closure timings as part of energy conservation and austerity measures. Under those restrictions, shops, markets, and shopping malls across the province were ordered to close at 8pm throughout the week. Similarly, hotels, restaurants, and food outlets had been instructed to shut operations by 10pm.
However, takeaway and home delivery services for restaurants and food businesses had remained exempt from those restrictions even under the earlier policy. The government had introduced the measures to reduce electricity consumption and support broader energy-saving efforts amid increasing power-related challenges.
Several essential services had already been excluded from the earlier closure orders. These included pharmacies, hospitals, petrol pumps, CNG stations, bakeries, tandoors, and milk shops, which were allowed to continue operating beyond the prescribed timings because of their public importance.
The latest notification now provides temporary relief to the wider business community, allowing commercial activities to continue without the previously enforced timing restrictions until June 1, 2026. Business owners and traders are expected to welcome the decision, as many had raised concerns regarding reduced business activity and financial losses due to early market closures.
The notification was officially issued by the Implementation and Coordination Wing of the Services and General Administration Department. Authorities have not yet clarified whether the relaxation will be extended further after June 1 or whether the earlier restrictions could be reintroduced depending on future conditions and energy requirements across the province.
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