The Punjab government has issued a new notification introducing strict austerity measures, including revised market timings in Punjab 2026, under which shops across the province will close at 8 PM to reduce energy consumption and government spending.
The decision is part of a broader policy aimed at tackling economic pressure and ensuring efficient use of resources across both public and private sectors.
Shops to Close at 8PM Across Punjab
According to the notification, all markets and shops in Punjab must shut down by 8 PM, while certain essential services have been exempted.
Exemptions include:
- Medical stores
- Petrol pumps
- Tandoors
Meanwhile, hotels and restaurants must close by 10 PM, although takeaway and home delivery services will continue without restrictions.
Petrol Quota Cut and Protocol Ban for Officials
In a major cost-cutting move, the government has reduced the petrol quota for official vehicles by 50%. Additionally, the use of protocol vehicle squads for ministers and officers has been completely banned.
Security vehicles have also been limited to a single squad, significantly reducing fuel consumption and operational costs.
Ban on New Government Vehicles and Work From Home Policy
The notification confirms that the ban on purchasing new government vehicles will remain in place until June 2026.
A work-from-home policy has also been introduced for government offices, with only essential staff required to attend physically. The province will now follow a four-day work week, with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday observed as holidays.
Also Read: Pakistan orders restaurants to close by 10 pm under energy-saving measures
Digital Monitoring and Public Guidelines
Authorities have directed departments to promote online meetings and avoid unnecessary official events, including government dinners.
To ensure transparency, district-level committees will monitor fuel usage, while a track and trace system will be implemented for petrol supply.
The government has also urged the private sector to adopt work-from-home practices and advised citizens to avoid unnecessary gatherings.
Wedding Timings and Price Monitoring Measures
The notification further mandates that:
- Wedding halls and events must conclude by 10 PM
- Private events at homes and farmhouses must also follow the same timing
Additionally, strict monitoring of transport fares and essential commodity prices has been ordered to prevent inflationary pressure.
