Punjab government eases market hours in Lahore ahead of Eidul Azha amid trade pressure

The Punjab government on Friday eased restrictions on the opening hours of markets until June 1, allowing businesses to remain open until 11:00 am.

The decision, announced by Lahore Deputy Commissioner Capt (retd) Muhammad Ali Ejaz, comes as the provincial capital enters one of its busiest retail periods ahead of Eidul Azha, when shopping activity traditionally increases across major commercial centres.

Under the revised scheme, markets across the city will be allowed to operate for longer hours, giving retailers extra working hours and shoppers greater flexibility in the evening hours.

A notification regarding the same was issued by the Punjab Chief Secretary.

Officials said relevant departments and district administration teams had been directed to ensure immediate implementation of the decision.

In a statement, the Deputy Commissioner said the temporary relaxation was meant to support traders and boost economic activity in the city.

“The primary objective of this decision is to meet the long-standing demands of the business community and further strengthen commercial activity,” the statement said.

The move also reflects mounting pressure from business groups that have repeatedly criticized restrictions on market timings, arguing that shortened hours hurt retailers already struggling with inflation, declining consumer spending power and rising operating costs.

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Trade organizations in Lahore welcomed the announcement and described it as a timely relief measure in a critical business season.

Market representatives have long argued that early closings particularly hurt sales in large urban centers like Lahore, where a significant portion of shopping activity takes place after sunset, especially during the summer months.

The extension of opening hours is also expected to ease crowd pressure in busy shopping districts by spreading customer traffic over a longer period.

District officials said assistant commissioners and field officers had been directed to remain active to ensure smooth implementation and coordination with market associations.

The decision marks a temporary shift from the government’s previous energy conservation policy, where commercial activities in several cities, including Lahore, had been restricted to earlier closing times in a bid to reduce electricity and fuel consumption.

This policy, introduced amid Pakistan’s wider economic and energy challenges, faced opposition from traders who argued that reduced operating hours adversely affected sales, employment and routine commercial activity.

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The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry and industry associations had repeatedly called on the government to reconsider the restrictions, especially during festive shopping seasons when consumer footfall typically peaks late at night.

So far, the latest easing is seen as an attempt by the provincial administration to strike a balance between economic activity and administrative regulation as Lahore’s retail sector prepares for increased Eid-related trade.

Commercial areas including Anarkali, Liberty Market, Ichhra, Hall Road, Township, Karim Block and various malls along Main Boulevard are expected to witness heavier inflows in the coming days as consumers begin Eid shopping.

Officials said the temporary relief could also help improve market sentiment at a time when businesses continue to navigate high inflation, rising utility costs and slowing consumer spending.

The government has indicated that further measures to improve the business environment and address business concerns are also being considered.

For now, shopkeepers across Lahore are hoping the extended opening hours will translate into stronger sales in the weeks leading up to Eidul Azha.