The federal capital administration followed the Punjab government on Sunday in putting a temporary halt to the early closure of markets restriction ahead of Eidul Adha.

“One the eve of Eidul Adha, office order issued and notifications issued by the district magistrate [earlier], Islamabad regarding the closing hours of shops and establishments are hereby suspended till 10-07-2022 in public interest,” said the official handout.

The notification was temporary as it would come back into force with effect from July 11, 2022 “immediately.” The administration has also warned against violating the order.

Punjab

The Punjab government on late Saturday announced its decision to lift the restriction pertaining to the early closure of markets in the province.

“The restriction to shut markets and bazaars till 9pm has been ended from July 3 till Chandraat [July 09],” said the notification issued by the secretary of the Labour and Human Resource Department on late Saturday.

Pakistan’s largest populated province followed the Sindh government template on June 19 by implementing an energy conservation programme in the wake of the power crisis. Under the plan, markets were closed at 9pm and food outlets at 11:30pm.

“The government has taken this decision for the traders’ community and the people,” Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz said in a statement.

Many people and the business community have welcomed the decision.

Last month, the Lahore High Court suspended a notification dissolving market committees across Punjab.