Punjab allows Lahore markets to stay open till 10pm as Eid shopping demand builds

The Punjab government on Friday relaxed market operating hours across Lahore, permitting businesses to remain open until 10pm until June 1 in a move aimed at boosting commercial activity ahead of Eidul Azha.

The decision was notified by the Punjab Chief Secretary, while Lahore Deputy Commissioner Capt (retd) Muhammad Ali Ejaz said the step was taken to facilitate traders and respond to longstanding demands from the business community.

The extension comes as Lahore enters a peak retail season, with Eid-related shopping expected to sharply increase footfall across major commercial centres in the coming days.

Under the revised arrangement, all markets in the city will be allowed extended evening trading hours, giving retailers additional time for sales and consumers more flexibility for night-time shopping.

Officials said district administration teams and relevant departments have been directed to ensure immediate enforcement of the revised timings across commercial areas.

The move follows sustained lobbying from trader associations, which have argued that earlier closing hours were hurting business activity, particularly in an environment of high inflation, rising utility costs and weakening consumer purchasing power.

The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with various trade bodies, had repeatedly urged authorities to ease restrictions, especially during festive periods when evening shopping activity is at its peak.

Market representatives say a significant share of retail turnover in Lahore is generated after sunset, particularly during the summer season when footfall shifts to later hours.

Key commercial hubs including Anarkali, Liberty Market, Ichhra, Hall Road, Township, Karim Block and Main Boulevard are expected to experience heavier customer traffic as Eid shopping accelerates.

District officials said assistant commissioners and field staff will remain deployed to monitor compliance and coordinate with market committees during the extended hours period.

The relaxation represents a temporary shift from earlier energy conservation measures that had limited commercial operating hours in Lahore and other cities to reduce electricity and fuel consumption.

Those restrictions had drawn criticism from traders, who said reduced timings were negatively impacting sales, employment levels and overall market activity.

Officials said the current adjustment aims to balance economic momentum with regulatory controls while supporting seasonal trade activity ahead of Eidul Azha.

Authorities added that additional measures to improve business conditions and address trader concerns remain under review.