The Punjab market timings have been officially revised as the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) has introduced new closing hours for markets, shops, and commercial businesses across the province. The updated schedule aims to standardize business operations while ensuring better regulatory control in urban and rural areas.
According to the new notification, shops, markets, shopping malls, bazaars, and department stores across Punjab will now be required to close by 9:00 PM. The decision applies uniformly across the province and is expected to bring consistency in retail operations and public movement during evening hours.
Essential businesses have been given additional flexibility under the revised Punjab market timings. Grocery stores, bakeries, and general stores dealing in daily-use items are allowed to remain open until 10:00 PM. Wedding halls, banquet venues, and other commercial event spaces also fall under the same extended time limit.
Restaurants, cafés, cinemas, and eateries have received a one-hour further relaxation. These businesses can operate until 11:00 PM. Similarly, fruit and vegetable shops have also been allowed extended hours until late evening to support daily consumer demand.
The notification clearly states that takeaway and home delivery services will remain exempt from these restrictions, allowing uninterrupted service beyond closing hours. This move is expected to support food delivery platforms and small restaurant businesses.
Several essential and service-related sectors have been fully exempted from the revised timing rules. These include pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, laboratories, petrol stations, CNG stations, electric vehicle charging stations, gyms, IT companies, and call centers.
Officials say the revised structure under the new Punjab market timings is designed to balance economic activity with regulatory oversight. Authorities will monitor compliance across major cities and commercial hubs in the coming weeks.
Traders and business owners are assessing how the new schedule may affect customer flow and late-night sales.
