Sindh and Punjab Lift Time Restrictions on Businesses

The provincial governments of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh have lifted mandatory closing times for all commercial activities, following a similar move by Punjab to ease business hours that had been in place for nearly six weeks as part of an energy conservation drive.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government suspended the restrictions with immediate effect “until further orders,” according to a notification from the chief secretary’s office. The decision followed a conversation between Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, where the governor urged easing the curbs to minimize traders’ financial losses and boost the provincial economy. While lifting the curfew, the KP government urged citizens and businesses to continue observing electricity conservation measures.

In Sindh, Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon announced that all shops, markets, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, and marriage halls are now exempt from the 9 p.m. closing time. “This decision reflects our commitment to economic growth, public convenience, and support for the business community, which remains the backbone of our economy,” Memon stated.

The move was widely welcomed by the business community, which had protested against the restrictions. Malik Mehr Elahi, president of KP’s Tanzeem Tajaran, said the suspension was a key demand of traders nationwide, who had staged protests on May 14. He highlighted that the restrictions were imposed without consultation and resulted in harsh enforcement, with traders facing fines of up to Rs30,000 and arrests for violations.

The business curfews stemmed from a federal directive in early April aimed at energy conservation amid rising global oil prices. Punjab’s government was the first to act, lifting its restrictions a day earlier in response to trader appeals, with the current relief measure set to last until June 1.

The provincial governments of Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have lifted time restrictions on commercial activities, following a similar move by Punjab to ease business hours.

In Sindh, Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon announced that all shops, markets, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, marriage halls, and marquees are now exempt from mandatory closing times. The previous 9 p.m. curfew had been enforced last month as an austerity measure amid a global oil crisis linked to conflict in the Middle East. “This decision reflects our commitment to economic growth, public convenience, and support for the business community, which remains the backbone of our economy,” Memon stated.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government also lifted restrictions on closure timings for markets and business centres with immediate effect, according to a notification from the provincial chief secretary. While removing the curbs, the KP government urged citizens and commercial establishments to continue observing electricity conservation measures, such as avoiding unnecessary lighting and making prudent use of air-conditioning.

The moves in Sindh and KP follow Punjab’s decision a day earlier to grant relief and lift market timing restrictions until June 1. The Punjab government’s action was a response to protests from traders and appeals from business associations and the public to revise the 8 p.m. closure timings. These provincial restrictions stemmed from a federal government directive in April aimed at energy conservation.

The provincial governments of Sindh and Punjab have lifted COVID-19-era time restrictions imposed on business operations. In Sindh, all businesses, including markets, shopping malls, restaurants, and marriage halls, are now exempt from mandatory closing times. The Punjab government has similarly lifted its restrictions, with the measure set to remain in effect until June 1st. The decisions were made to facilitate economic activity and provide convenience to the public, especially ahead of Eid.