The Punjab government has exempted all shops and commercial establishments across the province from regular closing hour restrictions during Ramadan 2026.
According to a notification issued by the Labour and Human Resource Department on February 16, 2026, the exemption applies to all establishments covered under the Punjab Shops and Establishments Ordinance, 1969. The order has been issued in exercise of powers under Section 4 of the ordinance.
Under the notification, all shops, shopping malls, supermarkets, chain stores and restaurants across Punjab have been exempted from the provision of sub section 1 of Section 7 of the ordinance during the holy month of Ramadan. The exemption allows businesses to operate beyond the standard working hour limitations that normally apply under the law.
The notification states that the order supersedes all previous notifications issued in this regard. However, the exemption remains subject to observance of Sections 8 and 9 of the ordinance.
The order has been issued by the Secretary Labour and Human Resource Department by the authority of the Governor of Punjab.
Copies of the notification have been forwarded to administrative secretaries, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, the Director General Labour Welfare, chambers of commerce and other relevant authorities for implementation across the province
