Following the footsteps of the Sindh government, markets in major cities of Punjab will be closed at 9 pm from Monday (June 20), reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Saturday.

The decision was taken by Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz Sharif after meetings.

In the first phase, it will be implemented in major cities including Lahore.

Markets in major cities, including Lahore, will remain closed from 9 pm on Monday, sources said, while pharmacy and petrol pumps will get immunity.

According to details, 63 markets in Lahore will be closed at 9 pm.

Punjab CM Hamza Shehbaz Sharif has taken a big decision to save energy in consultation with the business community across the province.

Hamza Shehbaz said markets, bazaars and shopping malls across Punjab will be closed at 9 pm.

Hamza Shehbaz said restaurants will be open till 11:30 pm.

Under the previous policy, marriage halls would remain open till 10 pm, said Hamza Shehbaz, adding that special concession will be given to the business community during business hours on Saturday.

Hamza went on to say this decision will not apply to medical stores.

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But well-known business leaders were angry that the city's main markets and bazaars did not participate in the consultation process.

The key peoples of Bilal Ganj Market, Badami Bagh Auto Parts Market, Shah Alam Market, Loha Market, Badami Bagh, Azam Cloth Market, Anarkali Baza, Abid Market, Ichhra Bazaar and more than eight blocks were ignored in the consultation process.

Bilal Ganj Market President Rehan Chaudhary refused to close the market at 9 pm.

Haji Ashfaq, president of Ichhra Bazaar, refused to close the market at 9 o'clock.

Trade leaders of Azam Textile Market and Shah Alam Market also expressed concern.

An advisory meeting of the trade associations regarding the closure of shops at 9:00 pm was convened.

Reporters: Umer Aslam and Shahzad Khan Abdali