Traders Demand End to Business Hour Restrictions After Fuel Prices Drop

Pakistan’s trader community has urged the government to lift restrictions on business hours following a decline in both global and local fuel prices.

The demand was also echoed by the All Pakistan Pan Cigarette Association, which called for the removal of limits on shop and market timings, arguing that the conditions that led to those curbs no longer exist.

Association central president Waseem Ali said the restrictions had originally been imposed under an austerity drive aimed at cutting energy consumption. However, he said the improvement in the global fuel situation and overall stability now warranted a review of the policy.

He said traders had fully respected government decisions during difficult times and continued to support efforts aimed at strengthening the economy.

Waseem Ali added that with the international situation improving and the impact of the fuel crisis easing, businesses should now be allowed to operate freely so that economic activity can expand further.

He said lifting the restrictions would help markets function more smoothly and support broader economic stability.

Trader representatives have appealed to the government to allow commercial centers to continue business without time limits, saying the removal of the restrictions would help promote economic activity across the country.