The Government of Punjab has granted a province-wide exemption from standard closing hour restrictions for shops and commercial establishments during Ramadan 2026, allowing extended business operations throughout the holy month.
According to a notification issued on February 16, 2026, by the Labour and Human Resource Department Punjab, the exemption applies to all establishments covered under the Punjab Shops and Establishments Ordinance, 1969. The order has been issued under Section 4 of the ordinance, empowering the provincial government to relax operational restrictions in special circumstances.
Under the directive, shops, shopping malls, supermarkets, chain stores, and restaurants across Punjab are exempted from the provisions of sub-section (1) of Section 7 of the ordinance for the duration of Ramadan. This means businesses can operate beyond the standard closing hours that normally regulate commercial activity in the province.
However, the notification clarifies that while closing hour restrictions have been relaxed, establishments must continue to comply with Sections 8 and 9 of the ordinance, which relate to employee welfare, working conditions, and other regulatory safeguards.
The order supersedes all previous notifications issued on the matter and has been formally issued by the Secretary of the Labour and Human Resource Department with the approval of the Governor of Punjab.
Copies of the notification have been circulated to administrative secretaries, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, the Director General Labour Welfare, chambers of commerce, and other relevant authorities to ensure smooth implementation across the province.
