Defying smart lock down, traders of twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have demanded that the order to close markets at 8pm be permanently withdrawn.
The temporary relaxation given during Eidul Azha under the government’s energy conservation plan has ended on Sunday.
However, representatives of major trade associations of twin cities announced that from Monday all markets and shopping centres will return to normal timings and remain open till 10pm or 11pm.
Trader leaders including Central Anjuman-e-Tajran President Sharjeel Mir, Kiryana Merchants Association President Saleem Parvez Butt, and others called for full withdrawal of the early closure policy.
They said regional tensions involving Iran, the US and Israel have eased, and there is no need to continue such restrictions. They also argued that business activity has improved and fuel pressure has reduced.
They warned that any attempt to restore the early closing rule would face strong protest from the business community.
According to a notification issued over new market timings by the office of the District Magistrate of Islamabad, shops, markets and shopping malls will close at 8 PM starting from 1 June.
On the other hand, all restaurants, food outlets, grocery stores and bakeries will close at 10 PM.
The notification by the Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad added that marriage halls and marquees will also close at 10 PM, with the new timing applying to private events as well.
The government had earlier introduced several measures to reduce energy use, including early closure of markets at 8pm and three-day weekend holidays for courts and offices. The 8pm closure rule was suspended till May 31 due to Eidul Azha, while weekend court holidays remained in place.
Shops, markets and malls to start closing at 8 pm from 1 June
