96 shops sealed, 5 arrested over austerity policy violations

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Apr, 2026) The district administration has intensified enforcement of the Chief Minister Punjab’s austerity

policy, sealing 96 shops, arresting five individuals while conducting over 3,900 inspections

across various tehsils.

On the directions of Deputy Commissioner Ali Ijaz, Assistant Commissioners- across City,

Cantt, Shalimar, Ravi, Nishtar, Allama Iqbal and Raiwind led extensive field operations in

areas including Saddar Bazaar, H-Block Market, Paragon City, Bedian Road, Dharampura,

Johar Town G-1 Market, Multan Road, Canal Road, Bagbanpura, Daroghawala, Harbanspura

and Singhpura Bazaar. Late-night monitoring also continued in Bedian and Burki Road areas

to ensure compliance with prescribed business timings.

In detailed enforcement actions, Assistant Commissioner Ravi Humaera Shah conducted 1,324

inspections, sealing 33 shops and arresting three individuals, while Assistant Commissioner

Nishtar Muhammad Saleem Aasi carried out 786 inspections, sealing 19 shops over violations.

Assistant Commissioner Iqbal Town Tariq Shabbir sealed six shops, whereas Assistant

Commissioner Raiwind Zohaib Mumtaz sealed a marriage hall during surveillance operations.

Earlier, in City, Cantt and Shalimar tehsils, over 1,800 inspections were conducted, resulting

in sealing of 35 shops, imposition of Rs75,000 fines and arrest of two individuals.

The administration ensured strict checking of marriage halls on Allama Iqbal Road and directed

enforcement of the one-dish rule, along with closure of dine-in services at restaurants. In State

Life Housing Society, two superstores were sealed, while complete compliance was observed

in Ashiana Road, DHA Phase-V, Central Park, Lake City Market and Adda Plot. Saddar Bazaar

also witnessed full closure following warnings issued by authorities.

The DC directed officers to ensure strict implementation of austerity timings, warning that violations

would lead to immediate sealing of premises and penalties. He emphasized continued field monitoring,

particularly during late hours, to maintain compliance across markets and commercial centers.

Deputy Commissioner Ali Ijaz said that effective implementation of austerity measures had significantly contributed to energy conservation and ensured timely closure of markets in the public interest.

He added that full compliance was essential to achieve the objectives of the campaign and reiterated

that the district administration remained fully mobilized to enforce the policy in letter and spirit while

facilitating citizens.