LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced new business timings across the province, which will come into immediate effect, according to an official notification issued by the Chief Secretary Punjab.
The decision has been taken in view of the increasing summer heat and longer daylight hours.
Under the new schedule, shops, markets, shopping malls, departmental stores and grocery shops will close by 9:00 pm.
Marriage halls, marquees and event venues will be allowed to operate until 10:00 pm.
Restaurants, cinemas, food outlets, and fruit and vegetable shops will remain open until 11:00 pm. However, takeaway and home delivery services have been exempted from these restrictions.
The notification also states that medical stores, laboratories, clinics, and hospitals will remain exempt from the new timing rules.
Similarly, bakeries, tandoors, dairy shops, petrol pumps, CNG stations, and electric vehicle charging stations will also not be subject to the restrictions.
Gyms, sports facilities, IT companies, and call centers have also been exempted from the revised timings.
All divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the new order across the province.
