RCCI welcomes decision on relaxation in smart lockdown restrictions

The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) has welcomed the decision of the Punjab Government to relax smart lockdown restrictions and extend business operating hours ahead of Eid-ul-Azha

RAWALPINDI, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th May, 2026) The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) has welcomed the decision of the Punjab Government to relax smart lockdown restrictions and extend business operating hours ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

In a joint statement, RCCI President Usman Shaukat and Group Leader & former President Sohail Altaf appreciated the timely intervention of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for listening to the concerns of the business community and reassessing the prevailing situation.

They stated that the decision to allow markets and shops to remain open until 10:00 PM will provide much-needed relief to traders, shopkeepers, and consumers during the busy Eid shopping season. The RCCI leadership said the business community had strongly urged the Punjab Government to review the lockdown timings in view of increasing commercial activity ahead of Eid.

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They termed the relaxation a positive and business-friendly step that would help revive economic activity while facilitating the public. RCCI leadership further expressed hope that the Punjab Government would consider extending the revised timings beyond June 1, 2026, to support businesses and sustain market confidence.

“Alhamdulillah, the notification has now been issued and markets can remain open till 10 PM from today", they said in the statement while extending gratitude to the Punjab Government for responding positively to the genuine concerns of traders and the business community.

The statement further said that RCCI reaffirmed its commitment to continue constructive engagement with the government for the promotion of business-friendly policies and the protection of traders’ interests.