Hairdressers demand extended business hours amid smart lockdown

MULTAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Apr, 2026) Representatives of the local barbers, hairdressers, salon owners and beauticians association said that smart lockdown restrictions have severely affected their businesses, leaving many shops with little to no income.

In a joint statement on Friday, association officials including President Mukhtiar Ahmed Sheikh and General Secretary Chaudhry Zia-ul-Haq said the 8pm closure rule has caused major financial losses.

They explained that their work depends on serving customers who usually visit after finishing office hours or closing their own businesses.

However, salons are required to shut at the same time, preventing customers from visiting during peak hours.

The association appealed to the government to allow salons and beauty parlours to remain open until 10pm, similar to hotels and wedding halls. They also highlighted rising electricity costs, expensive shop rents, and load-shedding as major challenges.

Officials said many workers in the sector belong to low-income families and are now struggling to earn enough for basic daily meals.