The Punjab government has removed restrictions on the working hours of marketplaces, with shops across the province allowed to stay open on Sundays and past 9 pm.

Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi made the decision on Wednesday, reversing the decision taken during Hamza Shehbaz’s shortlived tenure as an energy-saving measure.

The decision was welcomed by business owners and residents across Punjab although some have raised concerns about the non-completion of the energy saving programme.

From now on, most of the bazaars will open from 9 am to late at night.

Background

On June 19, the Punjab government announced that in order to save energy, all business centers in the province would close early. It stated that markets and shopping malls will shut down at 9 pm, wedding halls will only be allowed to stay open till 10 pm and restaurants will be open till 11.30 pm. Pharmacies, bakeries, and petrol pumps were exempted.

This ban was meant to last for two months, after which further decisions would be taken about its continuation.

The government lifted the ban on July 3, on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha. The notification stated that the lifting of the ban will remain in effect till the night of July 9. But after that, on July 13 one more week’s relaxation was given.