The Punjab government has enforced revised operating hours for businesses and commercial establishments across the province with immediate effect, as part of measures to conserve energy during the summer months. According to a notification issued by the Chief Secretary of Punjab, the new timings have been introduced in light of extended daylight hours and increasing temperatures.
Revised Schedule for Shops and Markets
Under the revised schedule, shops, markets, shopping malls, departmental stores, and grocery outlets will be required to close by 9:00 pm. Wedding halls, marquees, and other event venues, however, will be permitted to operate until 10:00 pm. Restaurants, cinemas, food outlets, and fruit and vegetable shops will be allowed to remain open until 11:00 pm. Takeaway and home delivery services have been exempted from the restrictions.
Exemptions for Essential Services
The notification also clarified that medical stores, laboratories, clinics, and hospitals will continue to operate without being affected by the new timings. Similarly, bakeries, tandoors, milk and dairy shops, petrol pumps, CNG stations, and electric vehicle charging facilities have been excluded from the closure schedule. In addition, gyms, sports complexes, IT firms, and call centres will not be subject to the revised business hours.
The provincial government has directed all divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, and other relevant authorities to ensure strict compliance with the new regulations across Punjab. The move aims to reduce energy consumption during peak summer hours while balancing the needs of businesses and the public.
