LCCI urges Punjab govt to continue lockdown relaxation beyond June 1

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd May, 2026) Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol has urged the Punjab government to extend relaxation in business and restaurant timings beyond June 1, stating that retail and food sectors are still struggling due to earlier lockdown measures and restrictions imposed under energy conservation policies.

In a media statement issued here Saturday, he added, the decision to close markets and restaurants at 8pm had severely affected business activities, reduced customer flow and caused heavy financial losses to retailers, restaurants, cafes and small businesses across Punjab.

He said that after continuous advocacy and strong representation by the Lahore Chamber, the government eased restrictions and extended business timings until June 1, which provided much-needed relief to traders and the hospitality sector. However, he emphasized that the current economic conditions do not allow businesses to return to restrictive timings again.

Saigol suggested the government to consider other alternative measures available to save electricity without damaging economic activity. He suggested that the government should focus on energy efficiency, better management systems, reduction in line losses, promotion of energy-saving equipment and improved governance in the power sector instead of limiting business operations.

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He said that the retail and restaurant sectors are among the largest contributors to economic activity and employment generation. Any return to strict timing restrictions after June 1 would create serious difficulties for traders, restaurant owners, workers and daily wage earners who are already facing inflation, high electricity tariffs, increased operational costs and weak consumer spending.

The LCCI President said that business community fully supports responsible energy conservation and national economic stability, but policies should be designed in consultation with stakeholders to avoid unnecessary damage to businesses and employment.

He urged the Punjab government to continue the current relaxation in market and restaurant timings beyond June 1 and formulate a long-term policy that balances energy conservation with economic sustainability.

Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol said that Lahore Chamber will continue to raise the voice of business community and work closely with government for practical and business-friendly solutions.