Punjab relaxes 8pm closure rule, exempts IT firms, call centres and sports facilities

The Punjab government has revised its austerity-linked business timing restrictions, exempting sports facilities, information technology companies and call centres from the mandatory 8:00pm closure requirement, according to an official notification issued Wednesday.

The decision, issued by the Chief Secretary Punjab, removes early closing restrictions previously imposed on gyms and other sports-related activities, allowing them to continue operations beyond the earlier prescribed hours.

IT companies and call centres have also been exempted, particularly those engaged with international clients operating across different time zones, in order to maintain uninterrupted service delivery.

The relaxation follows an earlier directive issued on April 6, 2026, which had enforced early closure timings as part of broader cost-saving and austerity measures.

Officials said the revised decision is aimed at supporting recreational activity, ensuring business continuity, and facilitating sectors considered critical for economic engagement and global operations.