LAHORE: The Punjab government has officially withdrawn fuel conservation and additional austerity measures for government departments and civil servants, following a similar decision by the federal government. However, restrictions affecting businesses and the general public will continue to remain in force.
A notification issued by the Punjab government’s Implementation and Coordination Wing of the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD) announced the termination of fuel-saving and austerity measures that had been introduced through various directives issued since March and June. The notification did not specify which measures had been withdrawn.
The austerity steps were originally introduced after Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced extraordinary measures on March 9 to address economic challenges linked to regional tensions. At the time, government-funded fuel for provincial ministers was suspended, fuel allowances for official vehicles were reduced by 50 percent, and the use of protocol vehicles accompanying ministers and senior officials was banned.
Despite the relaxation for government offices, restrictions on commercial activities remain unchanged. Shops, markets, shopping malls, bazaars, departmental stores, and general stores must continue closing at 9pm throughout the week, including weekends.
Marriage halls, marquees, and other venues hosting celebrations are still required to shut by 10pm, while restaurants, cafes, cinemas, food outlets, fruit and vegetable shops, grocery stores, and kiryana shops must close by 11pm. Takeaway and home delivery services remain exempt from the restrictions.
Essential services and selected businesses, including pharmacies, hospitals, medical laboratories, bakeries, tandoors, dairy outlets, fuel stations, CNG stations, vehicle charging facilities, gyms, sports venues, information technology companies, and call centres, will continue to operate without being subject to the notified closing hours.
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