New business hours announced in Punjab amid intense heat

Punjab sets new business operating hours amid rising temperatures. File photo

| Published June, 4 2026 | Updated 13 hours ago

LAHORE (Web Desk): Punjab sets new business operating hours amid rising temperatures as authorities enforce revised closing times across the province.

The Punjab government has announced new operating hours for business and commercial centres across the province, effective immediately. The decision has been taken to manage energy consumption during the summer season and address longer daylight hours and rising temperatures.

According to a notification issued by the Chief Secretary of Punjab, shops, markets, shopping malls, departmental stores, and grocery stores will now close at 9:00pm under the revised schedule. Wedding halls, marquees, and other event venues will be allowed to remain open until 10:00pm.

Restaurants, cinemas, food outlets, fruit shops, and vegetable markets may continue operations until 11:00pm. However, takeaway and home delivery services will remain exempt from the new restrictions. The notification also clarified that medical stores, laboratories, clinics, and hospitals will not be affected by the revised operating hours and may continue their services as usual.

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Similarly, bakeries, tandoors, milk and dairy shops, petrol pumps, CNG stations, and electric vehicle charging facilities have been exempted from the closure timings. The government has also exempted gyms, sports facilities, IT companies, and call centres from the new business-hour restrictions.

Officials stated that the revised timings are designed to enhance energy management during the summer months while ensuring that essential services continue to be available to the public. The Punjab government has directed all divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, and relevant authorities to ensure the strict implementation of the new regulations across the province.