Rawalpindi suspends early market closures

RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi district administration has suspended its notification enforcing energy conservation timings across the district, temporarily lifting the requirement for markets and shops to close at 8pm and for hotels, restaurants, marquees and food outlets to shut at 10pm.

According to the decision, the notification has been put on hold until June 1 in view of the approaching Eidul Azha and following demands made by traders. Orders have also been issued withdrawing the restrictions, allowing shopkeepers, markets, plazas and shopping malls to remain open in line with business needs.

The move effectively relaxes the earlier operating-hour limits during the Eid shopping season, when commercial activity typically increases. The administration’s decision came after trader groups pressed for an easing of the restrictions ahead of the festival.

Trader and restaurant bodies welcome decision

Representatives of trader organisations as well as the Hotel, Bakers and Restaurant Association welcomed the suspension of the closure timings, describing it as a positive step for commercial activity during the Eid season.

They said the decision would support business growth and called it a timely measure by the government. Business groups maintained that extended operating hours would help traders and related sectors benefit from increased customer activity in the run-up to Eidul Azha.

Hotel, Bakers and Restaurant Association President Chaudhry Farooq said the government had responded to traders’ demands at an appropriate time and had helped revive business activity.

He added that in Pakistan, people generally come out for shopping after sunset during the summer months, making early closures difficult for businesses.

Farooq also urged the government not only to continue the relaxed timings beyond June 1 but to do away with the energy lockdown on a permanent basis. He said businesses had suffered significant losses because of the restrictions.

Relief ahead of Eid shopping

The suspension is set to remain in place until June 1, giving traders, retailers and food businesses more flexibility during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. Markets, plazas and shopping malls will now be able to determine their operating hours according to commercial requirements instead of the previously notified closure schedule.

The decision was welcomed by business stakeholders who had argued that the restrictions were affecting trade. With Eidul Azha approaching, the temporary withdrawal of the notification is expected to provide relief to shopkeepers and commercial centres across Rawalpindi.