The decision by Pakistan's Punjab government to enforce an 8 pm closure for markets and commercial hubs across the province has drawn intensifying backlash from traders, economists, and business organisations.

All shops, markets, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants and other outlets to remain open beyond 8pm.

Notification says all shops, departmental stores, markets, shopping malls, bakeries, tandoors, restaurants and grocery stores have been exempted from the early closure timings.

The decision by Pakistan's Punjab government to enforce an 8 pm closure for markets and commercial hubs across the province has drawn intensifying backlash from traders,…