Punjab relaxes lockdown restrictions: New timings for markets & restaurants announced

LAHORE: The Punjab government has partially relaxed the lockdown, the government has declared sports centers, gyms, IT companies, call centers as exempt from the lockdown. The Services and General Administration Department has issued a notification.

This move of the government is being termed as an important step towards the restoration of business activities and providing facilities to the youth. It should be noted that a few days ago, Deputy Commissioner Lahore Captain (retd) Ali Ijaz had cleared the confusion over the new working hours of markets and restaurants, according to which restaurants and wedding halls can be kept open till 10 pm, while markets will close at 8 pm.

Deputy Commissioner Captain (retd) Ali Ijaz has said that restaurants and wedding halls can be kept open till 10 pm, but restaurant owners will have to vacate the existing citizens before 10 pm, while the normal market hours are till 8 pm. The Deputy Commissioner Lahore further said that home delivery and takeaway are also allowed, but after working hours, there will be no activity inside the shutters. If shops are closed before working hours, a complaint should be made to the DC office.

In addition, due to the government’s austerity campaign, a smart lockdown is in effect in the capital city. According to the notification, all markets and shopping malls in Islamabad will be closed at 8 pm. All wedding halls and restaurants will be closed at 10 pm. Restaurants can remain open for delivery and takeaway. According to the notification, the ban does not apply to tandoors, medical stores, petrol pumps, CNG stations and bakeries.