Medical stores hospitals and petrol pumps to operate as usual
LAHORE November 4 2025: As smog continues to blanket Lahore the district administration has announced new business hours for markets restaurants and cafes across the city in a bid to curb worsening air pollution.
The move comes as Lahore remains one of the most polluted cities in the world with Air Quality Index AQI readings frequently hitting hazardous levels. Officials say the revised timings are designed to reduce vehicular movement and industrial emissions during late night hours when smog concentration peaks.
Markets to Close by 10pm
Under the new schedule effective immediately markets in Lahore will now close by 10pm from Monday to Saturday.
On Sundays business hours have been shortened with shops permitted to operate only from 2pm to 10pm.
Officials said the change aims to limit unnecessary energy consumption and traffic congestion during evening hours both major contributors to urban smog.
New Restaurant and Cafe Timings
Restaurants and cafes have also been brought under the new directive. They will be required to close by 11pm on weekdays while on Fridays Saturdays and Sundays dining establishments may remain open until 12am midnight.
However the district administration has made an exception for food delivery services which will be allowed to operate until 2am to cater to late night customers without encouraging outdoor crowding.
Exemptions for Essential Services
Certain essential services have been exempted from the restrictions. These include
- Medical stores and hospitals
- Milk shops and tandoors
- Laboratories
- Petrol pumps and puncture repair shops
Officials said these services are vital to the public’s daily needs and will continue operations without any time limits.
Strict Enforcement Planned
The district administration has warned that violations will not be tolerated. Monitoring teams from the local administration and police have been formed to ensure businesses comply with the new schedule.
“Strict action will be taken against those violating the orders” the notification stated. “The revised hours are mandatory and aimed at protecting public health.”
Authorities further clarified that the measure is temporary and will be reviewed as the air quality situation improves.
Smog Battle Intensifies
The change in business timings is part of a wider set of anti smog measures implemented across Punjab including the crackdown on smoke emitting vehicles industrial inspections and temporary school closures in affected districts.
Environmental experts welcomed the move but stressed the need for long term reforms such as the promotion of cleaner transport stricter industrial controls and public awareness campaigns to ensure sustainable improvement in air quality.
As Lahore continues to grapple with its smog crisis the new timing restrictions reflect the administration’s growing urgency to contain pollution levels and safeguard citizens’ health.
Whether the early closures will make a measurable impact on air quality remains to be seen but for now the city’s nightlife is set to dim early under the haze of hazardous smog.