Web Desk: Authorities in Pakistan’s Punjab province and the federal capital Islamabad have decided to restore restrictions on market operating hours following the expiry of a temporary relaxation granted for Eid al-Adha shopping and business activities.
Under the government’s energy conservation campaign, the exemption will remain in place only until June 1, after which markets and commercial centers will revert to previously mandated closing times.
Provincial authorities said all markets, bazaars and most commercial centers across Punjab will resume their earlier operating schedules from June 2, requiring businesses to close by 8 pm.
Restaurants and other commercial establishments will also be required to comply with designated closing hours under the government’s energy-saving measures.
Officials said the temporary extension had been introduced to facilitate Eid-related shopping and increased commercial activity during the holiday season. However, with the conclusion of the festive period, authorities are reinstating routine operating hours.
Punjab officials said the move forms part of broader efforts to promote efficient energy use and reduce unnecessary electricity consumption.
Successive governments have periodically introduced restrictions on commercial operating hours as part of energy conservation policies aimed at reducing power demand and ensuring more effective use of national resources.
Authorities maintain that such measures are necessary given ongoing challenges facing the country’s energy sector and have called for cooperation from businesses and consumers alike.
Trader associations have previously expressed reservations about the restrictions, arguing that reduced operating hours could affect sales and customer footfall.
Some residents have also voiced concerns, noting that shopping activity tends to increase during evening hours, particularly during the summer months when daytime temperatures remain high.
Nevertheless, officials insist that energy conservation remains a national priority and say collective compliance is essential to achieving policy objectives.
Meanwhile, the Islamabad administration has issued a separate notification imposing similar restrictions on markets, shopping malls and commercial centers in the federal capital from June 1.
According to the notification, all markets and shopping malls in Islamabad must close by 8 p.m. as part of measures designed to curb unnecessary electricity usage and improve energy efficiency.
However, authorities have exempted several essential services from the restrictions. Pharmacies, medical stores and hospitals will continue operating without interruption, while petrol stations and compressed natural gas (CNG) stations will remain open under their regular schedules.
Restaurants, food outlets, bakeries, traditional ovens, grocery stores and fruit and vegetable shops will be allowed to operate until 10 p.m. Wedding halls and marquees have also been directed to conclude activities by 10 p.m.
Officials warned that businesses found violating the prescribed operating hours could face legal action.
Authorities said district administrations will continue monitoring compliance as part of the government’s wider energy conservation campaign. They added that enforcement mechanisms would remain active to ensure full implementation of the directives.
Energy experts note that electricity consumption typically rises sharply during the summer season, prompting governments to adopt administrative measures aimed at managing demand and reducing pressure on the national power system.
