The Balochistan government has announced major relaxation in restrictions related to business activities and decided to end the lockdown until June 1.
A formal notification in this regard has also been issued by the Balochistan Home Department.
According to the notification, shops, shopping malls, restaurants, hotels and other business centres across the province will now be allowed to operate under normal timings. The earlier restriction requiring businesses to close by 8pm has also been withdrawn.
Authorities said the decision was taken to restore economic activity and provide relief to the business community.
However, officials said that certain restrictions related to administrative and security institutions will remain in place and previously issued directives regarding those measures will continue to apply.
Government sources said authorities are gradually working towards restoring normal economic activity in order to support businesses and improve routine commercial operations across the country.
Sindh govt ends restrictions on markets, restaurants
The Sindh government has also lifted the 9pm closing time restriction on markets and commercial activities across the province, allowing businesses to operate without fixed shutdown timings.
Senior Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon announced the decision on X, saying the provincial government has exempted shops, markets, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, wedding halls and marquees from mandatory closing hours.
He said the move was aimed at facilitating both businesses and the public, adding that the decision reflects the government’s commitment to economic growth, public convenience and support for the business community.
According to a notification issued by the Sindh Chief Secretary, all commercial establishments including shopping centres, food outlets, hotels, marriage halls and marquees have been exempted from the closure timings previously imposed under the Home Department’s lockdown-related orders.
With the new decision, the earlier restriction requiring businesses to close by 9pm has officially been withdrawn across Sindh.
Lahore: Market closure timings relaxed
The shops, businesses and markets were allowed relaxed closure hours in Lahore with immediate effect until June 1 for the facilitation of the public, according to DC Lahore.
The Deputy Commissioner Lahore said that commercial centres will no longer be required to close at 8 pm. They can now close at 10 pm till June 1.
He added that the step aims to provide relief to the business community and help improve economic activity.
Officials said the move will further boost commercial operations and make shopping easier for citizens.
Trader bodies in Lahore had rejected the Punjab government’s smart lockdown restrictions, calling for an immediate rollback of limits on business activity.
Business leaders say early market closing hours are hitting trade hard, especially during the Eid shopping period. They warn the situation is hurting sales and daily economic activity.
They have also threatened protests and a possible shutter-down strike if the restrictions are not withdrawn.
Also read: Sindh govt ends restrictions on markets, restaurants
