The Punjab government lifted the ban on closing markets at 9 pm and relaxed working hours for shopkeepers and traders till July 9, one day before Eid-ul-Adha.
According to a report, with the announcement made by Chief Minister Hamza Shahbaz, traders waiting for the rush of consumers in the market in view of Eid breathed a sigh of relief.
The Chief Minister said in a statement that the decision was taken in the context of Eid for the convenience of the business community and the public, which would facilitate full-time business before Eid.
In a statement, the Chief Minister said, “From now until July 9, there will be no time limit.”
“We contacted the chief minister and persuaded him to help us, after which he made a very good decision,” business leader Naeem Mir said in a statement.
It may be recalled that the Punjab government had announced on June 18 that all markets, bazaars and business centers in the province would be closed at 9 pm.
Earlier, the Sindh government had also announced a relaxation in business and restaurant hours.
The notification issued by the Sindh Home Department said that all restaurants, coffee / tea shops and cafes would be able to operate all week till 11:30 pm.
The statement added that there would be no set times for all businesses to close on Saturdays.
It may be recalled that the decision to close the business centers soon was taken as part of the government’s plan to address the power crisis in the country.
On the other hand, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif also ordered to set up a control room for Eid-ul-Adha and conduct third party audit.
In a briefing to the Chief Minister in this regard, the Chief Minister was informed that last year 480 vehicles were present on the roads for cleaning while this year 1,086 vehicles will take part in this process.
He was also informed that 3,516 pick-up vehicles would be provided on hire for carrying animal carcasses while 280 campuses would also be set up at the level of Union Council in this regard.