PESHAWAR : The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has officially halted the enforcement of fixed business timings across the province, suspending the previous market closing hours order with immediate effect.
According to a public notice issued following approval from the competent authority, the suspension applies to all markets, shopping plazas, commercial centers, and related business activities until further instructions.
Regulatory Oversight and Energy Guidelines Remain Active
The Office of the Chief Secretary clarified that while the time restrictions for commercial operations are temporarily paused, regulatory oversight remains fully active. The government emphasized that this decision is not a complete roll-back of provincial oversight but a strategic pause on strict operating hours.
Crucially, energy conservation guidelines remain mandatory across the province. The provincial government has directed all sectors to ensure responsible energy use and efficiency.
Official Directive: Citizens, businesses, restaurants, wedding halls, industries, and public offices must reduce electricity consumption, limit unnecessary lighting, and avoid excessive use of air conditioning.
Implementation and Monitoring
Implementation instructions have already been circulated to all administrative stakeholders, including:
- Divisional Commissioners
- Deputy Commissioners
- Administrative Secretaries
The notification confirms that the suspension will remain in place until further orders. Administrative officials stressed that provincial monitoring mechanisms will continue to actively operate, ensuring businesses comply with energy-saving directives despite the relaxed operating hours
