PM Shehbaz relaxes countrywide lockdown until May 31 to support businesses
Sindh and Punjab governments already remove market closing time restrictions at provincial level
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided to further relax smart lockdown restrictions until 31 May to support commercial activity and provide relief to traders and the public.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the latest decision follows a series of measures announced by provincial governments to ease restrictions on markets, shopping centres and business operations ahead of increased Eid-ul-Adha shopping activity.
Earlier, on May 16, 2026, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced that the Sindh government had removed closing time restrictions for shopping malls, markets and business centres across the province.
Sharjeel Memon said traders and business owners would now be allowed to continue operations according to their routine schedules. He explained that the earlier restrictions had been introduced as part of austerity and energy-saving measures.
He said the decision was taken after consultations with traders and industrialists who had submitted various proposals seeking relief.
Meanwhile, the Punjab government had already announced similar relief measures on May 15, 2026, by relaxing closing time regulations for shops, markets, hotels, restaurants and shopping malls across the province until 1 June 2026.
A notification issued by the Punjab Services and General Administration Department stated that commercial centres would remain exempt from fixed closing hours during the relaxation period.
Officials said the decision was intended to support economic activity and assist the business community, particularly during the busy Eid shopping season.
In a separate development, the district administration in Lahore also withdrew the earlier restriction requiring markets to close at 8pm.
Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali Ijaz said the order had been removed with immediate effect to facilitate both traders and shoppers.
He added that allowing extended business hours would improve shopping convenience for citizens while helping commercial activity in the provincial capital.
Reporter: Awais Kiani