Lahore extends markets hours until June 1

LAHORE: The Punjab government has temporarily eased market closing hours in Lahore, allowing businesses across the city to remain open until 10pm until June 1, in a move aimed at supporting trade activity ahead of Eidul Azha.

The decision was announced by Lahore Deputy Commissioner Capt. (retd.) Muhammad Ali Ejaz as the provincial capital enters one of its busiest shopping periods. With Eidul Azha approaching, commercial areas are expected to see a rise in customer turnout, particularly in the evening when many families prefer to shop.

Under the revised arrangement, major markets and commercial centres in Lahore will be permitted to operate for longer hours. District administration officials said the measure is intended to provide relief to traders facing economic strain while also making it easier for shoppers during days of high demand.

In a statement shared on X, the deputy commissioner said the move was meant to support business activity and address concerns raised by traders.

"The primary objective of this decision is to fulfil the longstanding demands of the trader community and further strengthen commercial activity in the city," the statement said.

Officials said assistant commissioners and field staff had been directed to ensure implementation of the updated timings. The district administration has also instructed relevant personnel to remain active in the field during the extended hours so that the arrangement is enforced smoothly.

The relaxation follows repeated demands from trader bodies, including the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry and several market associations, which had argued that earlier closing times were hurting sales. According to traders, a significant share of retail business in Lahore takes place after sunset, especially in summer and during festive shopping seasons.

Business representatives had also said retailers were already dealing with inflation, higher utility bills and weaker consumer purchasing power, and that shorter operating hours had further slowed recovery in important markets. Market associations welcomed the latest decision and described it as timely relief for the business community ahead of Eid.

Officials said the extended hours are also expected to spread customer traffic more evenly across the evening and help reduce congestion in busy shopping districts. High-footfall areas expected to benefit include Liberty Market, Anarkali, Ichhra, Hall Road, Township, Karim Block and commercial stretches along Main Boulevard.

According to the administration, coordination with market committees and local trader organisations has been strengthened to avoid disruption in implementation.

The decision temporarily rolls back earlier energy conservation measures that had limited market timings in Lahore and other cities. Those restrictions had been introduced as part of broader efforts to reduce electricity and fuel consumption amid Pakistan’s economic and energy challenges.

Trader organisations had consistently opposed those limits, saying reduced business hours were affecting retail activity, jobs and broader economic performance in urban centres. Officials said the latest step reflects an effort to balance commercial needs with administrative requirements, adding that further measures to improve the business environment are also being considered in consultation with stakeholders.

For now, retailers in Lahore are expecting stronger sales in the coming weeks as Eid shopping gathers momentum, with many shopkeepers hoping the longer evening hours will encourage more family visits to the city’s busiest commercial zones.