By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Owners of cargo and courier services have cralled on Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to reconsider the decision to close offices by 8pm, saying the move is severely affecting business operations.
According to industry representatives, the courier and logistics sector operates round the clock, with key processes such as parcel sorting, dispatch, and delivery taking place during nighttime hours. They warned that early closure restrictions are disrupting workflows, causing delays, and damaging customer trust.
Business leaders also alleged that some officials and institutions are taking advantage of the situation by harassing operators and imposing undue fines or pressure under various pretexts. They noted that the sector is already struggling due to inflation and rising operational costs, and additional restrictions could further worsen conditions.
Representatives of the cargo association, including Mian Asim Shehzad and Asif Mehmood Ch, warned that failure to review the policy could put thousands of jobs at risk.
They suggested that courier and logistics services should be granted special status similar to essential services, allowing them to determine their own working hours.
The business community urged the provincial government to take immediate steps, considering ground realities, to resolve the issue and ensure uninterrupted economic activity.
