Traders in Lahore have rejected the provincial government’s decision to close shops early and operate only until 8pm, resulting in major markets remaining closed during morning hours.
Meanwhile, in several cities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, markets opened on time, while in Quetta, traders displayed a mixed response, some following the new schedule, while others demanded revisions.
On Tuesday, the Punjab government announced that all shops, markets, and shopping malls would close at 8pm throughout the week, including weekends, as part of austerity measures aligned with federal directives.
The order exempts pharmacies, medical stores, laboratories, hospitals, petrol pumps, CNG stations, bakeries, tandoors, and dairy shops from early closure.
Hotels, restaurants, and food outlets are required to close by 10pm, but takeaway and home delivery services will remain operational, according to a notification issued by the Implementation and Coordination Wing of the S&GAD.
