Lahore authorities have stepped up action against businesses that failed to follow the 8pm closing rule introduced under new austerity measures from April 6.
The district administration has begun strict enforcement, targeting shops that continued operating after the notified time.
Officials said assistant commissioners led teams across all 10 tehsils of Lahore and carried out several operations over the past few days. Dozens of shops were sealed and many traders were fined for not observing the 8pm deadline.
On Wednesday, authorities sealed 60 shops across different parts of the city. This included 22 shops in Cantt and 13 in Allama Iqbal Town, along with several cafés and restaurants in Model Town. In the city tehsil, another 10 shops were also sealed.
The crackdown continued on Thursday as officials sealed 19 more business locations in the city tehsil. Operations were also conducted in areas such as Walton Road, Begumkot, DHA Phase-8, Valencia Town and Model Town, where several shops and restaurants were shut down. Five shopkeepers were arrested during these actions, while another person was taken into custody for reopening a sealed property.
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These actions are being taken under a government notification that requires all shops, markets and shopping malls to close at 8pm every day. However, certain services are exempt from the rule, including pharmacies, hospitals, petrol pumps, bakeries and other essential services. Restaurants and hotels are allowed to stay open until 10pm, but only for takeaway and delivery.
In a separate move, the Lahore Development Authority sealed 135 properties due to unpaid commercial fees. At the same time, teams from the municipal corporation demolished illegal structures in different areas of the city.
Officials have said that enforcement efforts will continue to make sure businesses follow the government’s austerity plan.