The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government announced on Sunday evening that all markets located in divisional headquarters, including Peshawar, will be required to close by 9 PM starting from the following day. Markets in districts outside these divisional centers will have an earlier closing time of 8 PM.
The official notification outlines a detailed schedule for areas experiencing high public foot traffic. Notably, restaurants and food outlets, which typically see peak crowds, will be allowed to operate until 10 PM. However, home delivery and takeaway services are exempt from this restriction and may continue beyond these hours.
In a significant development, wedding halls and marquees have been instructed to conclude events by 10 PM. Meanwhile, medical stores, hospitals, and emergency services remain exempt from these timing regulations to ensure uninterrupted access to critical care.
Additionally, agricultural, construction, industrial units, and factories are permitted to maintain their regular operations without restrictions. Bakeries, specifically tandoors, will be allowed to stay open solely for the production of bread and naan. Petrol pumps will continue functioning strictly for fuel dispensing purposes.
The government emphasizes that these measures aim to regulate business hours effectively while safeguarding essential services and minimizing disruption to daily life.
