Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday approved exempting businesses from early closure timings until May 31, suspending the previously imposed restrictions introduced as part of fuel conservation measures.
In a notification, the Cabinet Division said all shops, departmental stores, bazaars, markets and shopping malls could remain open seven days of the week without any restrictions on their operational hours. Bakeries, tandoors, restaurants and grocery stores have also been allow to continue operations beyond the previously fixed hours.
The move follows similar exemptions notified by provincial governments last week. All four provinces have said the relaxation to operational hours would continue until June 1, seemingly in anticipation of Eidul Azha, which would occur on May 27.
The country had curtailed business hours last month as part of fuel conservation measures in a bid to reduce the fuel import bill, as prices spiked amidst the ongoing Middle East conflict. The move had triggered backlash from traders, who had argued it impacted their business, as the rising temperatures discouraged the public from shopping during daylight hours.