Punjab govt eases market hours in Lahore ahead of Eidul Azha amid pressure from traders

The Punjab government on Friday relaxed hourly restrictions on functioning of markets till June 1, allowing businesses to remain open till 10 pm, in a move aimed at boosting business activity and addressing long-standing demands of the trading community.

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

Under the revised agreement, markets across the city will be allowed to operate during extended hours, giving retailers additional trading time and shoppers greater flexibility during evening hours.

Punjab Chief Secretary issued a notification in this regard.

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 aimed at supporting traders and accelerating economic activity in the city.

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

The move also reflects growing pressure from business groups that have repeatedly criticized restrictions on market hours, arguing that reducing trading hours was hurting retailers already struggling with inflation, declining consumer purchasing power and rising operating costs.

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Trader organizations in Lahore welcomed the announcement and described it as a timely relief measure during a critical trading season.

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

The extended business hours are 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 change from the government’s previous energy conservation policy, under which business activities in several cities, including Lahore, had been restricted to earlier closing hours in a bid to reduce electricity and fuel consumption.

That policy, introduced amid Pakistan’s broader economic and energy challenges, faced resistance from traders who argued that reducing operating hours negatively affected sales, employment and routine business activity.

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The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry and trade associations had repeatedly urged the government to reconsider the restrictions, particularly during the festive shopping seasons, when the footfall of consumers usually increases late into the night.

For now, the latest relaxation is seen as an effort 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 several malls along Main Boulevard are expected to see increased footfall in the coming days as consumers start Eid shopping.

Officials said the temporary relief could also help improve market confidence at a time when businesses continue to face high inflation, higher utility costs and a slowdown in consumer spending.

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

For now, Lahore traders hope the extended hours will translate into higher sales in the weeks leading up to Eidul Azha.