HP Newsroom

The Lahore Restaurant Association (LRA) has expressed profound appreciation to Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif for her decisive and business-friendly leadership following the government’s recent decision to lift the 10PM time restriction on restaurants across the province.

According to the association, the step has come as a major relief for the hospitality sector, which has been facing persistent operational and financial challenges amid rising costs and economic pressures.

The development follows a recent constructive engagement between the LRA delegation and Advisor to CM Punjab on AI & Special Initiatives Ali Dar, where industry leaders presented key concerns affecting restaurant sustainability. The delegation included Secretary General Ahmad Shafiq, along with executive members Ali Chaudhry, Raza Fawaz Yousaf, Adnan Ilyas, and others.

LRA leadership stated that the government’s responsiveness reflects a strong commitment to supporting business activity and strengthening the services sector. They termed the decision “timely, impactful, and highly encouraging” for thousands of restaurants, employees, and stakeholders linked with the hospitality value chain.

Secretary General Ahmad Shafiq noted that the easing of restrictions will significantly help restore customer flow, stabilize operations, and safeguard employment opportunities in the sector. He also acknowledged the facilitative role played by Ali Dar in effectively conveying industry concerns to the provincial leadership.

While appreciating the decision, LRA leadership also urged the Government of Punjab and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to continue and sustain this relief measure, emphasizing that operational consistency is vital for the long-term survival and recovery of restaurants.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to remain engaged with the government in a constructive manner to further strengthen Punjab’s hospitality industry and contribute to economic growth through collaboration and dialogue.