The Government of Punjab, giving a major relief to traders across the province, has issued new working hours for markets, shops and other business centers, under which the business community has been allowed to continue operations for one more hour.
According to the new notification issued under the austerity campaign, shops, markets and shopping malls across the province will remain open till 9 pm, while marriage halls, marquees, event-designated commercial areas and buildings will be allowed to remain open till 10 pm.
The notification issued by the Chief Secretary Punjab states that restaurants, cinemas, food outlets, and vegetable and fruit sellers are allowed to continue business till 11 pm. However, pharmacies, laboratories, gyms, petrol pumps, hospitals, clinics, and milk shops have been exempted from these restrictions.
On the other hand, the federal government has also announced changes in business timings of markets and shops. In a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, austerity measures were reviewed, in which the committee directed provincial governments to ensure effective implementation of these instructions in coordination with the federal government.
The meeting decided that shops, markets, shopping malls and business centers across the country will remain open till 9 pm, while restaurants and food outlets will be allowed to operate till 11 pm. Takeaway and delivery services have been exempted from these timings.
According to the decision, marriage halls and event venues will remain open till 10 pm, while pharmacies, hospitals, petrol pumps, IT and telecom-related institutions have also been exempted.
Also Read: Relief for traders as Govt extends market timings till May 31
