Summary Punjab government withdraws austerity and energy-saving measures, easing restrictions on businesses while maintaining set operating hours for markets.
LAHORE (Dunya News) — The Punjab government has approved the withdrawal of fuel conservation measures and other austerity-related restrictions, easing several energy-saving regulations across the province.
According to an official notification issued by Secretary Industries, Commerce and Investment Punjab Syed Masood Noman, austerity measures implemented after March 10, 2026, have been withdrawn.
However, business operating hours for markets and commercial centres will remain unchanged.
Under the revised policy, shops, bazaars and shopping malls will continue to close at 9:00 pm, while wedding halls and marquees are allowed to remain open until 10:00 pm.
Restaurants, cafés and food outlets will close at 11:00 pm, although takeaways and home delivery services have been exempted from these restrictions.
Pharmacies, hospitals, laboratories and medical stores will continue to operate without any time limitations. Similarly, petrol pumps, CNG stations and electric vehicle charging points have also been exempted from operational restrictions.
The notification further states that information technology companies and call centres have also been granted exemptions from closing-hour limitations, while additional sector-specific details have been included in the document.
