LAHORE:To ensure efficient use of energy and regulate the working hours of commercial activities, the Punjab government has set new working hours for markets and business centres.
After the approval of Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Zaman, Secretary Industries and Commerce Syed Masood Noman issued a notification in this regard on Wednesday.
According to the notification, all shops, markets and shopping malls will now close at 9pm while wedding halls, markets and other commercial events will be able to continue till 10pm. The government has made it mandatory for restaurants, hotels and vegetable shops to close by 11pm.The notification exempted certain sectors from these restrictions.
The new working hours will not apply to pharmacies, medical and medical supplies stores, medical laboratories, clinics, hospitals, standalone bakeries, standalone tandoors, standalone milk and dairy shops, fuel/CNG pumps, electrical vehicle charging stations, gyms, sports facilities and sports/padel courts, IT companies and call centres.
